Mack The Knife

Lyrics: Brecht, Blitzestien
Music: Weill

Atempted only once by the Grateful Dead, on 30 November 1981. Bob Weir sings one verse (the second one from the full version) before the band grinds to a halt and he adds "We'll work that up for next time" (but they never did).

When the shark bites with his teeth, babe
Scarlet billows start to spread
Fancy gloves though has old MacHeath, babe
So there's not ever a trace of red
These are the full lyrics:
Oh the shark has pretty teeth, dear
And he shows them pearly white
Just a jack knife has MacHeath, dear
And he keeps it out of sight

When the shark bites with his teeth, dear
Scarlet billows start to spread
Fancy gloves though wears MacHeath, dear
So there's not a trace of red

On the sidewalk, Sunday morning
Lies a body oozing life
Someone's sneaking round the corner
Is the someone Mack the knife?

From a tug boat by the river
A cement bag's dropping down
The cement's just for the weight, dear
Bet you Mack is back in town

Louie Miller disappeared, dear
After drawing out his cash
And MacHeath spends like a sailor
Did our boy do something rash?

Sukey Tawdry, Jenny Diver
Polly Peachum, Lucy Brown
Oh the line forms on the right, dear
Now that Mack is back in town




Further Information
For more information on recordings see Matt Schofield's Grateful Dead Family Discography
For details of every time played, see Chris Edwards Grateful Sets site

 


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