Rancid

Lyrics

6 ContributorsThe Ballad of Jimmy and Johnny LyricsJimmy & Johnny are two friends of mine
Skinheads what they claim
Outside similarities but they don't feel the same
Johnny thinks Jimmy's a mod
And Jimmy thinks Johnny's a punk
Jimmy listens to ska and Johnny likes Last Resort

Jimmy and Johnny in the trenches
Went down tonight
Drinking Guinness and a fight, fight, fight
Once you're in the middle everything's alright

Skinhead tats and a Fred Perry
There's a war in the cemetery
Start to fight, start to drinking
What the fuck were they thinking?

Jimmy and Johnny tell me what you're seeing
Jimmy and Johnny tell me what you're seeing
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Jimmy had his two-tone coat
On the back of his scooter that night
Johnny had a jacked up Chevy
That could blow you right off the line
You might also likeSkinhead tats and a Fred Perry
There's a war in the cemetery
Start to fight, start to drinking
What the fuck were they thinking?

Jimmy and Johnny tell me what you're seeing
Jimmy and Johnny tell me what you're seeing
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeahEmbed

The Ballad of Jimmy and Johnny is a song by the American punk rock band Rancid. Released in 1998 as part of the album “Life Won't Wait,” the song quickly gained popularity among punk rock fans and critics alike. The track, which tells the story of two young men living in a rough neighborhood, is a combination of punk rock and ska, making it a unique addition to Rancid's catalog of music.

About The Ballad of Jimmy and Johnny

The Ballad of Jimmy and Johnny is one of Rancid's most iconic songs, and for good reason. The track features the band's signature punk rock sound combined with ska rhythms, which gives it a unique vibe that sets it apart from other tracks on the album.

The song's lyrics tell the story of two young men named Jimmy and Johnny, who live in a dangerous neighborhood where violence is a daily occurrence. The two are best friends who have each other's backs no matter what. Jimmy is a good kid who has fallen in with a bad crowd, while Johnny is always there to help his friend stay out of trouble.

The verses of the song focus on Jimmy and Johnny's daily struggles, including run-ins with the law and the threat of violence from local gang members. The chorus is a powerful anthem that tells the story of their unbreakable bond and the lengths they will go to protect each other.

As with many Rancid songs, The Ballad of Jimmy and Johnny is heavily influenced by the punk rock and ska culture of the 1970s and 1980s. The band cites groups like The Clash and The Specials as major inspirations for the track, and fans of those bands will find a lot to love in The Ballad of Jimmy and Johnny.

The song is also a testament to the band's talent when it comes to blending different musical styles. The ska-influenced verses are seamlessly integrated with the punk rock chorus, creating a dynamic and memorable track that still holds up today.

The Ballad of Jimmy and Johnny is often cited as one of Rancid's best tracks, and for good reason. Its unique blend of punk rock and ska, combined with the powerful and emotional storytelling in the lyrics, make it a standout song in the band's catalog. Fans of punk rock and ska alike will find something to love in this iconic Rancid track.

Whether you're a diehard Rancid fan or simply a lover of punk rock and ska, The Ballad of Jimmy and Johnny is a song that deserves a place on your playlist. Its powerful storytelling, memorable chorus, and unique blend of musical styles make it one of Rancid's most beloved tracks, and a must-listen for any fan of the genre.

• Release Date: June 21, 1994
• Artist: Rancid