Lyrical Breakdown of Johnny Ryall - A Journey through Words and Rhymes
Welcome to the detailed analysis of "Johnny Ryall" on Lazyjot. Here, we unravel the lyrical complexity and artistic brilliance that define this iconic song.
- Lyric Overview: Witness how Beastie Boys weaves words into powerful emotions and vivid imagery. From intricate rhyme schemes to compelling storytelling, every line in "Johnny Ryall" is a testament to masterful songwriting.
- Rhyme and Rhythm Analysis: Our Lazyjot editor highlights the ingenious use of multi-syllabic rhymes and the rhythm pattern that Beastie Boys employs. Understand the construction of each verse and how it contributes to the song's overall impact.
- Syllable Pattern Insights: Dive deeper into the structural elements of the lyrics. See how the syllable count varies across the song, adding a unique rhythm and flow to Beastie Boys's narrative.
This lyrical analysis of "Johnny Ryall" not only celebrates Beastie Boys's artistic prowess but also serves as an educational tool for aspiring songwriters. If this analysis inspires you and you'd like to see your own songs analyzed in this way, join the Lazyjot community. Register at Lazyjot and start exploring the full potential of your lyrical creativity. Turn your thoughts into rhymes and your rhymes into songs with Lazyjot!
Johnny Ryall is the bum on my stoop
I gave him fifty cents to buy some soup
He knows the time with the fresh Gucci watch
He's even more over than my mayor, Ed Koch
Washing windows on the Bowery at a quarter to four
'Cause he ain't gonna work on Maggie's farm no more
Livin' on borrowed time and borrowed money
Sleepin' in the street, there ain't a damn thing funny
With the hand-me-down food, and the hand-me-down clothes
A rockabilly past of which nobody knows
Makes his home all over the place
He goes to sleep by falling down on his face
Sometimes known as the leader of the homeless
Sometimes drunk, and he's always phoneless
Sleepin' on the street in a cardboard box
He's better off drinkin' than smokin' the rocks
Johnny Ryall, Johnny Ryall
Kickin' uptown
Kickin' downtown
Kickin' crosstown
Johnny Ryall, Johnny Ryall
He drinks where he lies, he's covered with flies
He's got the hand me down Pumas and the tie dyes
Well, you go upstate, and you get your head together
Thunderbird is the word, and you're light as a feather
Detox at the flop house, no booze allowed
Remember the good ol' days with the rockabilly crowd
Memphis is where he's from (in Tennessee)
He lives in the street, but he's no bum
He's a rockabilly star from the days of old
He used to have teeth all filled with gold
He got a platinum voice, but only gold records
On the bass was Boots and on the drums was Checkers
Louis Vuitton with the Gucci guitar
Johnny Ryall, who do you think you are?
Johnny Ryall, Johnny Ryall
Takin' the night train, takin' the O.E.
Johnny Ryall, Johnny Ryall
Donald Trump and Donald Tramp living in the mens Shelter
Wonder Bread bag shoes and singing "Helter Skelter"
He asks for a dollar, you know what it's for
Man, bottle after bottle, he always needs more
He's no less important than you working class stiffs
He drinks a lot of liquor, but he don't drink piss
He paid his dues playing the blues
He claims that he wrote the "Blue Suede Shoes"
Elvis shaved his head when he went into the army
That's right, y'all, his name is Johnny, kick it!
Johnny Ryall, Johnny Ryall
Johnny Ryall, Johnny Rya-
Check the cool wax!