Hey Joe
johnston daniel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come on, Joe
Don't make that sad song
Any sadder than it already is
Hey Jack
Get back
Get yourself together
Come on, come on
I know exactly what you're thinking of
Hey Cid
No matter what you did
It can work out
Work out
No matter how you feel right now
Hey George
Do your chores
Don't feel sore
I know it's a lot more than just being bored
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
The song "Hey Joe" by Daniel Johnston is an emotional plea to his friend named Joe to not dwell on the sadness of life. The repeated "Hey Joe" serves as a personal address to his friend and expresses a desire to help him feel better. The first stanza mentions the title "Hey Jude" by The Beatles, alluding to a song that also offers comfort in times of troubles. The following stanzas address different people: Jack, Cid, and George. These references could be specific people, or they could be personas that represent different struggles or challenges in life. Regardless, the message is the same: life can be difficult, but there is always hope and a bright future waiting for you.
The phrase "there's a heaven and there's a star for you" is the key to the overarching message of the song. It implies that there is a reward waiting for those who fight through the struggles of life. This message is particularly powerful because Daniel Johnston himself struggled with mental illness throughout his life. "Hey Joe" serves as a reflection of his own experiences and a plea to his friend to not give up. It is a beautiful and heartfelt message that can resonate with anyone who has faced difficulties in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Jude
Hey Joe, I want to talk to you.
Come on, Joe
Let's hear what you have to say.
Don't make that sad song
Don't make your situation any worse.
Any sadder than it already is
You're already in a tough situation, don't make it worse.
Hey Jack
Hey, you over there.
Get back
Step back and take a moment to think.
Get yourself together
Collect yourself and sort out your emotions/feelings.
Come on, come on
Let's talk it out.
I know you're thinking of your nervous love
I know you're worried about your relationship.
I know exactly what you're thinking of
I understand where you're coming from.
Hey Cid
Hey, you.
No matter what you did
Your past actions don't define you.
It can work out
Things can get better.
Work out
The situation can resolve itself.
No matter how you feel right now
Even if you're feeling down, know that things can change.
Hey George
Hey, you.
Do your chores
Take care of your responsibilities.
Don't feel sore
Don't be upset about it, it's just part of life.
I know it's a lot more than just being bored
I know there's more to it than just being uninterested.
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
You will be rewarded for your good deeds and actions one day.
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
You will be rewarded for your good deeds and actions one day.
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
You will be rewarded for your good deeds and actions one day.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DANIEL JOHNSTONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@BlueePanties
Hey Jude
Come on, Joe
Don't make that sad song
Any sadder than it already is
Hey Jack
Get back
Get yourself together
Come on, come on
I know you're thinking of your nervous love
I know exactly what you're thinking of
Hey Cid
No matter what you did
It can work out
Work out
No matter how you feel right now
Hey George
Do your chores
Don't feel sore
I know it's a lot more than just being bored
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
@PeterPower1
Dearest Daniel,
Truly unique inspiration in my life.
You gave me the hope and motivation to take a path as a musician.
Understanding that to be a musician i did not have to have a perfect voice, be classically trained in an instrument or to look a certain way…that truly expressing oneself without censorship of the heart is all that really matters.
You sang with such raw and tender sincerity.
I remember the first time i chanced upon your music…it was Hey Joe.. some 15 years ago..within the first few chords it left me balling crying on my bedroom floor.
It was so honest and pure. Since that moment devouring every piece of music you ever created…seeing me through the rest of my adolescence, all through my college years….returning in times of heart ache…always holding you dear to my heart… your melodies always floating back when i needed them most…
Upon hearing the news of your passing last night i instantly returned to Hey Joe.. . feeling like a 17 year old boy again….it still touches me in the same way…finding such solace in your infinite wisdom.
Thank You Daniel…. so grateful and blessed for all you have shared…I will always love you.
True Hero.. eternal legend.. may you shine bright forever.
@roiybenkel682
Hey Jude, come on, Joe
Don't make that sad song
Any sadder than it already is
Hey Jack, get back
Get yourself together
Come on, come on
I know you're thinking of your nervous love
I know exactly what you're thinking of
Hey Sid, no matter what you did
It can work out, work out
No matter how you feel right now
Hey George, do your chores
Don't feel sore
I know it's a lot more than just being poor
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
@chrismuskha
I can't believe you're gone. This song hit way harder today than it ever had. There is a heaven and a star for you, Daniel. Wherever you are. Thank you.
@autodangerout
foda
@zacharyburklow5909
😥
@adrianpalmer777
well said
@SolvingOurKreation
"I know it's a lot more than just being bored." That line kills me.. Daniel's music has saved me on many occasions.. I'm so appreciative of him.
@Asilhan
Hey those who read this
No matter what you did
It can work out, work out.
No matter how you feel right now..
@taniafrayre5669
Asilhan 🖤
@BlueePanties
Hey Jude
Come on, Joe
Don't make that sad song
Any sadder than it already is
Hey Jack
Get back
Get yourself together
Come on, come on
I know you're thinking of your nervous love
I know exactly what you're thinking of
Hey Cid
No matter what you did
It can work out
Work out
No matter how you feel right now
Hey George
Do your chores
Don't feel sore
I know it's a lot more than just being bored
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
There's a heaven and there's a star for you
@PeterPower1
Dearest Daniel,
Truly unique inspiration in my life.
You gave me the hope and motivation to take a path as a musician.
Understanding that to be a musician i did not have to have a perfect voice, be classically trained in an instrument or to look a certain way…that truly expressing oneself without censorship of the heart is all that really matters.
You sang with such raw and tender sincerity.
I remember the first time i chanced upon your music…it was Hey Joe.. some 15 years ago..within the first few chords it left me balling crying on my bedroom floor.
It was so honest and pure. Since that moment devouring every piece of music you ever created…seeing me through the rest of my adolescence, all through my college years….returning in times of heart ache…always holding you dear to my heart… your melodies always floating back when i needed them most…
Upon hearing the news of your passing last night i instantly returned to Hey Joe.. . feeling like a 17 year old boy again….it still touches me in the same way…finding such solace in your infinite wisdom.
Thank You Daniel…. so grateful and blessed for all you have shared…I will always love you.
True Hero.. eternal legend.. may you shine bright forever.
@verity4111
The truth is, Daniel Johnston was a genius. Even though he was thought to be "mediocre" his lyrics were still genuine, and his music still beautiful. This is my favorite song.