Mr. Johnson finds himself in an awkward position. The singer of the song is his executioner.
10 points to those who can figure out the last part :)
lyrics
Just a small incision above the right eye,
That's all we ask of you Mr Johnson.
Soon enough, you will forget why.
I promise that it's true, Mr Johnson.
We go and you lie.
We grin while you cry.
Hit the wall with your fist, make it broken.
I can't believe it's you, Mr Johnson.
Just give up, give in. That's your token.
I know it makes you blue, Mr Johnson.
We hide while you run.
Then shoot with our gun.
Saying ho ho ho, Merry Christmas Mr Johnson.
This year's the year you met your end.
We had you in from the start.
And you know it's all your fault.
So why won't you go quietly?
In the end you did your job.
Only wasn't what you thought it'd be.
Lord you better do your work, because this soul doesn't think it's worth saving.
This one doesn't even think he's alive.
We hide, while you run.
Then shoot, with our gun.
We go and you lie.
We sing while you die.
credits
from The Man Behind the Wheel,
released August 9, 2011
Keith Holland (mixing), Joel Encarnacion (drums), Morgan Nelson (bass)
The Oakland singer's latest album imagines the power struggle between man and nature as a slow, steady tempest of dark folk. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 20, 2019