About The Song
Louis Armstrong’s rendition of “Mack the Knife,” recorded in 1955, is a spirited and jazzy interpretation of the classic song from the musical “The Threepenny Opera” by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht. With Armstrong’s signature gravelly voice and impeccable phrasing, the song takes on a lively and infectious energy that captivates listeners.
“Mack the Knife” tells the tale of a notorious criminal named Mackie Messer, known for his exploits in the seedy underworld of London. Armstrong’s dynamic performance infuses the song with a sense of mischief and intrigue, bringing the character of Mackie to life with his expressive vocals and vibrant trumpet playing.
Upon its release, Armstrong’s rendition of “Mack the Knife” became a hit, earning widespread acclaim for its infectious groove and spirited delivery. Its success helped to introduce the song to a new audience and solidify Armstrong’s reputation as one of the greatest interpreters of jazz and popular music.
As we revisit “Mack the Knife,” we celebrate Louis Armstrong’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of this iconic song. His charismatic performance and joyful rendition continue to enchant audiences, reminding us of the magic of jazz and the power of music to transport us to another time and place.
Video
Lyric
Dig, man, there goes Mack The Knife!
Oh, the shark has pretty teeth, dear
And it shows them pearly white
Just a jackknife 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 redOn the sidewalk, sundayy morning, baby
Lies a body oozin’ life
Someone’s sneakin’ ’round the corner
Is this someone Mack the Knife?From a tugboat, by the river
A cement bag’s drooppin’ down
Yes, the cement’s just for the weight, dear
Bet you Macky’s back in town
Lookie here, Louie Miller disappeared, dear
After drawin’ out his cash
And MacHeath spends like a sailor
Did our boy do somethin’ rash?Sukey Tawdry, Jenny Diver, Lotte Lenya, sweet Lucy Brown
Oh, the line forms on the right, dears
Now that Macky’s back in townTake it, Satch!