Zombina and the Skeletones are especially popular on Halloween playlists.
Spring Heeled Jack
Zombina and the Skeletones Lyrics
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In a dirty black cape and an old top hat
From the rooftops, he watches the street
You better pray to god that you don't meet
That creepy old man so watch your back
For that mean motherfucker named Springheeled Jack
Well, he spits hellfire and poison gas
He leaps tall buildings in a single bound
One look and he'll put you underground
Yeah, you never know when he will attack
'Cause he's a mean motherfucker named Springheeled Jack
If he knocks upon your door
For the love of god, don't let him in
He'll tear you up, he'll tear you out
And he'll take you away...
You may say that it's in the past
And that jumpin' killer ain't comin' back
Well, you may be right, and you may be wrong
But I know he's never really gone
Can't you tell from the way I act
That I was born from the blood of Springheeled Jack?
The lyrics of Zombina and the Skeletones’s song Spring Heeled Jack paint a vivid and eerie picture of a supernatural and menacing figure that creeps through the alleys in a dirty black cape and an old top hat. The song describes how the mysterious figure, referred to as the mean motherfucker named Springheeled Jack, watches the streets from the rooftops, spits hellfire and poison gas, eats dead pigeons and sewer rats, and leaps tall buildings in a single bound. The lyrics communicate a warning to the listener to watch their back as they never know when he will attack. The song concludes with a chilling reminder that Springheeled Jack may have faded into the past, but his legacy still lives on through the blood of those who survived his attacks.
Overall, the lyrics of Spring Heeled Jack create an atmosphere of fear and danger, capturing the myth and legend associated with the real-life story of Spring Heeled Jack, a supernatural figure who terrorized London in the mid-19th century. The song draws on the folklore and urban legends surrounding the character, adding a new dimension of horror through the use of vivid imagery and dark humor. Ultimately, the song’s impact lies in its ability to find a compelling millennial perspective on a timeless myth, drawing connections between a historical legend and modern-day subcultures.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, He creeps through the alley like a jungle cat
He moves stealthily like a predatory animal through the narrow passages between buildings
In a dirty black cape and an old top hat
He wears grimy clothing, a black cloak and an outdated hat
From the rooftops, he watches the street
He surveys the area from the high points of the buildings surrounding the street
You better pray to god that you don't meet
It is best to avoid encountering him at all costs
That creepy old man so watch your back
Be alert and cautious of the strange old man
For that mean motherfucker named Springheeled Jack
This is the name of the violent and unpredictable individual who poses a threat
Well, he spits hellfire and poison gas
He has the ability to breathe out flames and toxic fumes
'Cause he eats dead pigeons and sewer rats
He consumes scavenged dead birds and rodents found in the sewers
He leaps tall buildings in a single bound
He is capable of jumping extraordinary heights in one jump
One look and he'll put you underground
One direct gaze from him could mean your grave
Yeah, you never know when he will attack
It is impossible to predict when he will strike
'Cause he's a mean motherfucker named Springheeled Jack
This is a reminder of his malevolent nature and that he must be avoided
If he knocks upon your door
If he comes to your home and you see him
For the love of god, don't let him in
Do not allow him to enter under any circumstances
He'll tear you up, he'll tear you out
He will cause significant damage to you and likely remove you from your home by force
And he'll take you away...
He will abduct you and take you away
You may say that it's in the past
One might argue that Springheeled Jack is no longer a relevant threat
And that jumpin' killer ain't comin' back
This is a statement that suggests he will not return
Well, you may be right, and you may be wrong
This is to be taken with skepticism, as he is viewed as unpredictable
But I know he's never really gone
Despite the speculation, the artist believes that he remains a real danger
Can't you tell from the way I act
The artist claims that their demeanor is influenced by their belief that they are the offspring of Springheeled Jack
That I was born from the blood of Springheeled Jack?
This could be interpreted as a metaphorical way of saying that his legacy impacts the way the artist thinks and acts
Contributed by Sarah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.