☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics tell the story of Jimmy, a violent man who is in a wheelchair.
- Jimmy abused his dog and beat his wife, who has now left.
- He was a corrupt businessman who exploited and deceived his employees.
- Jimmy terrorized and emotionally abused his son.
- At the end of the lyrics, it is pointed out that Jimmy deserves his fate and now cries bitterly.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "Jimmy" by
Devo tell the story of Jimmy, a man who is in a wheelchair. It is made clear that Jimmy was not a nice person and that he deserves to be in this situation.
It is implied that Jimmy was a violent man who mistreated his dog. He also used to beat his pretty wife and she is now gone. The lyrics state: "Jimmy's in a wheelchair and I don't care", which means that the person singing the song does not care about Jimmy's situation or have any sympathy for him.
It is also suggested that Jimmy was a corrupt businessman who exploited and cheated his employees. The lyrics say: "He kept his workers poor, he'd lie and cheat and steal", which means that Jimmy abused his power to disadvantage others.
It is also mentioned that Jimmy terrorized his son until he cried. The lyrics say: "He used to yell and scream until his son would cry, then he'd run him down, well he don't run no more", which means that Jimmy emotionally abused his son and that this is no longer possible now that Jimmy is in a wheelchair.
At the end of the lyrics, it is said that Jimmy deserves his fate and that he now weeps bitterly. Mercy is requested for him: "Lord have mercy on this man".
The lyrics of the song "Jimmy" thus tell the story of a violent and corrupt man who is now in a wheelchair and suffers the consequences of his behavior. It is emphasized that the person singing the song has no sympathy for Jimmy.