Run Joey Run

A song can be a great way to tell a story. Sometimes stories told through songs can be extremely tragic. Have you ever heard “Run Joey Run” by David Geddes?

When I was a kid, I heard this song on the station that played tunes from the 70s. I understood that there was an angry father in the story and that there was a gun, but other than that, I didn’t really understand what it was about. (I just knew the catchy chorus. 😉 )

When I eventually listened to what the lyrics were saying, I was saddened. The song is about a guy who accidentally gets his girlfriend pregnant. Her father becomes furious upon finding out, abuses his daughter, and is set on killing his daughter’s boyfriend. Sadly, when the father is about to seek his revenge on his daughter’s boyfriend, the daughter interferes, and her father accidentally shoots her. 😦

Lyrics:

Daddy please don’t
It wasn’t his fault
He means so much to me
Daddy please don’t
We’re gonna get married
Just you wait and see

Every night, the same old dream

I hate to close my eyes

I can’t erase the memory

The sound of Julie’s cry

She called me up, late that night
She said, “Joe, don’t come over,
My Dad and I just had a fight
And he stormed out the door!

I’ve never seen him act this way,
My God, he’s goin’ crazy
He said he’s gonna make you pay
For what we done– he’s got a GUN!
So run, Joey run, Joey run!”

Daddy please don’t
It wasn’t his fault
He means so much to me
Daddy please don’t
We’re gonna get married
Just you wait and see

Got in my car, and I drove like mad
‘Til I reached Julie’s place
She ran to me, with tear-filled eyes
And bruises on her face!

All at once I saw him there,
Sneaking up behind me
Then Julie yelled, “He’s got a gun!”
And she stepped in front of me

Suddenly, a shot rang out
And I saw Julie falling!
I ran to her, I held her close
When I looked down, my hands were red
And here’s the last words Julie said…

Daddy please don’t
It wasn’t his fault
He means so much to me
Daddy please don’t
We’re gon… na get… mar… ried…

Run, Joey run, Joey run, Joey run, Joey run, Joey run, Joey ruuuuuunn!