About The Song
Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, when German playwright Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill sought to create a musical that would reflect the social and political realities of their time. “The Threepenny Opera” was a satirical work that explored themes of poverty, corruption, and the criminal underworld. The musical was a departure from traditional operettas, as it incorporated elements of jazz, cabaret, and popular music.
“Mack the Knife” is one of the most famous songs from the musical. It tells the story of a notorious criminal who has evaded capture despite his many crimes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Mack as a charismatic and dangerous figure, who is both feared and admired. The song’s structure is unconventional, with a repetitive melody that is punctuated by spoken-word sections.
Bobby Darin’s 1959 recording of “Mack the Knife” was a major hit, and it helped to popularize the song. Darin’s energetic and swinging performance brought a new dimension to the song, and his version remains one of the most beloved recordings of the classic. The song’s popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody, Darin’s charismatic delivery, and the song’s ability to capture the essence of the original musical.
Over the years, “Mack the Knife” has been covered by countless artists, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Liza Minnelli. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
And he shows them pearly white
Just a jackknife has old Macheath, babe
And he keeps it out of sight
You know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
Scarlet billows start to spread
Fancy gloves, though, wears old Macheath, babe
So there’s never, never a trace of red
Now on the sidewalk, ooh, sunny morning, uh-huh
Lies a body just oozin’ life
Eek, and someone’s sneakin’ ’round the corner
Could that someone be Mack the Knife?
There’s a tugboat down by the river, don’t ya know
Where a cement bag’s just a-droopin’ on down
Oh, that cement is just, it’s there for the weight, dear
Five’ll get ya ten, old Macky’s back in town
Now d’ya hear about Louie Miller? He disappeared, babe
After drawin’ 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, yeah, Sukey Tawdry
Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Oh, the line forms on the right, babe
Now that Macky’s back in town
I said Jenny Diver, whoa, Sukey Tawdry
Look out to Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Yes, that line forms on the right, babe
Now that Macky’s back in town
Look out ol’ Macky’s back