Discover the Allure of “Mack the Knife” by Bobby Darin

Introduction

“Bobby Darin – Mack the Knife” is an iconic musical masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the world of music. Originally released in 1959, this timeless classic showcases the extraordinary talent of Bobby Darin, a legendary American singer, and entertainer. The song is a true representation of the era’s swing and jazz music, exuding charisma and charm.

Did You Know?

• Bobby Darin, born Walden Robert Cassotto, was not only an exceptional singer but also a songwriter, actor, and musician. He rose to fame in the late 1950s and early 1960s, leaving an enduring legacy in the music industry.
• “Mack the Knife” is an adaptation of a song from the German opera “The Threepenny Opera” by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht. Bobby Darin’s rendition of the song brought it to international prominence.
• The song won Bobby Darin two Grammy Awards in 1960, one for Record of the Year and the other for Best New Artist, solidifying his status as a musical sensation.

Video

Lyrics: Mack the Knife

Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
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