☝️ Key Points
- Billy devises a plan to free his friend John Webb from prison.
- Billy bravely overcomes various obstacles to reach John Webb.
- Billy manages to open the prison door and free John Webb.
- They escape together and cross a wild river while the British are hot on their trail.
- In the end, they dance joyfully in a tavern.
Interpretation
"The Escape of Old John Webb" by
The Kingston Trio tells the story of Billy, who tries to free his friend John Webb from prison. The lyrics describe how Billy bravely overcomes obstacles and eventually succeeds.
The song begins with Billy devising a plan to free John Webb from prison. He must guard five men who have British rank and five men who guard the town. But Billy is not intimidated and says, "Billy broke locks and Billy broke bolts and Billy broke everything that stood in his way."
Billy finally reaches the prison door and opens it "with great force." He takes John Webb under his arm and carries him away. Although John Webb is heavily chained, Billy is strong enough to carry him.
Together, they steal a horse and ride away. They come to a wild and free river that they must cross while the British are close behind them. But Billy is undeterred and safely carries John Webb across the river.
Finally, they arrive at a tavern to dance. There, John Webb, who has just been released from prison, dances better than anyone. The lyrics end with the description of how they dance happily and carefree.
The song "The Escape of Old John Webb" tells a story of courage, friendship, and determination. It shows that it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve goals if one believes strongly enough and is willing to give it their all.