About the song
Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife” is an iconic jazz standard that has left an indelible mark on music history. Originally written by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht for their 1928 musical “The Threepenny Opera” (Die Dreigroschenoper), the song gained widespread popularity when Darin recorded his swinging rendition in 1959.
“Mack the Knife” tells the tale of a notorious criminal named Macheath, or Mackie Messer in the original German lyrics, who navigates the seedy underworld with charm and charisma. Darin’s version is characterized by its lively big band arrangement, featuring catchy brass hooks and a toe-tapping rhythm that captures the essence of the roaring twenties.
Darin’s smooth and charismatic vocals bring the character of Mack the Knife to life, painting a vivid picture of a suave yet dangerous figure who effortlessly captivates those around him. The song’s lyrics, filled with colorful descriptions of Mack’s exploits and the intrigue surrounding him, create a sense of intrigue and excitement that draws listeners in from the very first note.
One of the most memorable aspects of Darin’s rendition is his impeccable sense of timing and phrasing, effortlessly gliding through the song’s rapid-fire lyrics with precision and flair. His dynamic performance, coupled with the infectious energy of the accompanying musicians, makes “Mack the Knife” a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences decades after its initial release.
Over the years, “Mack the Knife” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. From Frank Sinatra to Ella Fitzgerald, the song has been reimagined and reinterpreted, each time showcasing its enduring appeal and musical versatility.
In summary, Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife” is a dazzling showcase of his talent as a vocalist and performer, breathing new life into a beloved classic and leaving an indelible legacy in the world of music. Its infectious melody, captivating storytelling, and Darin’s charismatic delivery ensure that it remains a timeless favorite for music lovers of all generations.
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Lyrics
Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dearAnd it shows them pearly whiteJust a jackknife has old MacHeath, babeAnd he keeps it, ah, out of sightYou know when that shark bites with his teeth, babeScarlet billows start to spreadFancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babeSo there’s never, never a trace of redNow on the sidewalk, huh, huh, whoo sunny morning, un huhLies a body just oozin’ life, eekAnd someone’s sneakin’ ’round the cornerCould that someone be Mack the Knife?There’s a tugboat, huh, huh, down by the river don’tcha knowWhere a cement bag’s just a-drooppin’ on downOh, that cement is just, it’s there for the weight, dearFive’ll get ya ten, old Macky’s back in townNow did ya hear ’bout Louie Miller? He disappeared, babeAfter drawin’ out all his hard-earned cashAnd now MacHeath spends just like a sailorCould it be our boy’s done somethin’ rash?Now Jenny Diver, ho, ho, yeah, Sukey TawdryOoh, Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy BrownOh, the line forms on the right, babeNow that Macky’s back in townI said Jenny Diver, whoa, Sukey TawdryLook out to Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy BrownYes, that line forms on the right, babeNow that Macky’s back in townLook out, old Macky’s back