Bobby Darin

Lyrics

32 ContributorsMack the Knife LyricsOh the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
And he shows them pearly white
Just a jackknife has old Macheath, babe
And he keeps it outta sight

You know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
Scarlet billows start to spread
Fancy gloves, though, wears ol' Macheath, babe
So there's never, never a trace of red

Now, on the side walk, ooh Sunday morning, uh huh
Lies a body just oozing life, eek
And someone's sneaking 'round the corner
Could that someone be Mack the Knife?

There's a tugboat down by the river, don't you know
Where a cement bag's just a-drooping on down
Oh, that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear
Five'll get ya ten, ol' Mackie's back in town

Now did ya hear 'bout Louie Miller? He disappeared, babe
After drawing out all his hard earned cash
And now Macheath spends just like a sailor
Could it be our boy's done something rash?

Now, Jenny Diver, ho ho, Suky Tawdry
Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and ol' Lucy Brown
Oh, the line forms on the right, babe
Now that Mackie's back in town
You might also likeI said, Jenny Diver, woah, Suky Tawdry
Look out, Miss Lotte Lenya and ol' Lucy Brown
Yes, that line forms on the right, babe
Now that Mackie's back in town

Look out ol' Mackie is back

When it comes to memorable songs, few have left a lasting impression quite like Bobby Darin's iconic rendition of Mack the Knife. With an easy, mellow sound that belies the sinister lyrics underneath, this song has captured the hearts and minds of music lovers worldwide. But where did this tune come from, and what makes it so special?

First debuted in an anti-capitalist musical from 1928, Mack the Knife has traveled far from its origins in Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's Threepenny Opera. Although the song's original incarnation was certainly popular in its own day, it wasn't until Darin put his own spin on it that the tune became a true sensation.

With a number one hit on the Billboard Top 100 in 1959, a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and even a place on Rolling Stone's top 500 songs, Mack the Knife is an undeniable cultural touchstone. But what exactly is the song about, and why has it resonated so deeply with audiences over the years?

About Mack the Knife

As previously stated, the origins of Mack the Knife trace back to Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill's Threepenny Opera. This classic play tells the story of a notorious thief named Mackie Messer, who navigates the gritty, dangerous underworld of 19th-century London. And while the character of Mackie Messer isn't exactly a sympathetic figure, there's something undeniably captivating about his story.

When Bobby Darin picked up the tune for his own rendition, he wisely chose to retain much of the original song's sense of danger and unpredictability. Although the lyrics had to be translated into English from the German original, much of the spirit and energy of the original work still shines through in Darin's version.

One of the more interesting aspects of this song is the way in which it combines a cheerful, jaunty melody with dark lyrics about murder and crime. This tension between the happy-go-lucky sound of the music and the sinister subject matter of the lyrics is one of the reasons why this tune continues to captivate listeners of all ages and backgrounds.

Another part of the song's appeal is its clever wordplay. From the opening lines, which describe Mackie Messer as having "peachy-white teeth" and being "the incurable germ of the criminal world," to later verses about his trial and execution, the lyrics are rife with clever puns and turns of phrase. It's this subtle wit and cleverness that have helped keep the song fresh and exciting even decades after its debut.

And of course, it's impossible to talk about Mack the Knife without mentioning Bobby Darin himself. With his smooth, confident vocals and undeniable charisma, Darin brought a level of energy and passion to the song that had never been seen before. His mastery of the lyrics and the melody helped cement the song's place in the public imagination, and his interpretation of the tune remains one of the most beloved and iconic musical performances of all time.

Why is Mack the Knife so Popular?

So what is it about Mack the Knife that has made it such a lasting and popular song, even after all these years? There are likely many factors at play here, from the expertly crafted lyrics to Darin's unforgettable rendition of the tune. But perhaps the most important element of the song's appeal is its sheer sense of fun and adventure.

Despite the fact that the lyrics describe a world of crime and violence, there's something undeniably thrilling about the way in which the melody bounces along. Whether you're tapping your foot to the beat or singing along to the catchy chorus, there's an infectious joy and energy to this song that simply can't be denied.

At the end of the day, Mack the Knife is a tune that manages to capture all the best qualities of both music and storytelling. It's a song that transports listeners to another time and place, immersing them in a world of danger and excitement. And to this day, it remains one of the most beloved and cherished musical performances of all time.

• Release Date: March 1959
• Artist: Bobby Darin