Smackwater Jack
Carole King
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Now, Smackwater Jack, He bought a shotgun 'Cause he was in the mood For a little confrontation. He just a-let it all hang loose; He didn't think about the noose. He couldn't take no more abuse So he shot down the congregation. You can't talk to a man With a shotgun in his hand. Now, Big Jim the chief Stood for law and order. He called for the guard to come And surround the border. Now, from his bulldog mouth, As he led the posse south, Came the cry, "We got to ride To clean up the streets For our wives and our daughters!" You can't talk to a man When he don't wanna understand. No, no, no, no, no. The account of the capture Wasn't in the papers, But you know, they hanged ol' Smack right then Instead of later. You know, the people were quite pleased 'Cause the outlaw had been seized And on the whole, it was a very good year For the undertaker. You know, you know, you can't talk to a man With a shotgun in his hand. A shotgun in his hand. Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun. Yeah, Smackwater Jack bought a shotgun. Oh, Smackwater Jack, yeah. Talkin' 'bout Smackwater Jack, yeah. Talkin' 'bout a-Smackwater Jack, now. Talkin' 'bout Smack.
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Written by: Carole King, Gerry Goffin
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Release Information"Smackwater Jack" is a well-known song from Carole King's 1971 album "Tapestry."
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Collaborative EffortsThe song's live version was arranged by luminary talent Quincy Jones, highlighting the duo's skillful collaboration.
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InfluenceQuincy Jones' creative input on "Smackwater Jack" bears his signature jazz and pop fusion style which enhances the song's appeal.
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Song RecurrenceThe song was also included in Carole King's 1994 compilation album "The Living Room Tour" demonstrating its enduring popularity.
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Grammy AwardThe "Tapestry" album, which included "Smackwater Jack", won four Grammy Awards in 1972, including Album of the Year.
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LyricsThe song's lyrics are about a vigilante named Smackwater Jack who is eventually gunned down by law enforcement, a unique narrative for King's repertoire.
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Album Success"Tapestry," the album on which "Smackwater Jack" appears, is one of the best-selling albums of all time with over 25 million copies sold worldwide.
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Live PerformancesLive recordings showcase both King's excellent renditions and Jones' superb orchestral arrangements, like the version at the 1972 Montreux Festival.
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Song Style"Smackwater Jack" is viewed as an outlier on the "Tapestry" album due to its upbeat rhythm and the darker narrative in its lyrics.
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Cultural ImpactThe song, like the rest of the album, marked a turning point in the music industry's view of female singer-songwriters and helped pave the way for future generations of women in music.
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Songwriting"Smackwater Jack" was co-written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, marking one of their last successful collaborations.
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Citation
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"Smackwater Jack Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14863726/Carole+King/Smackwater+Jack>.
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