Big shot, tell you what, tell me what goes on around here
Go on and get me in the corner, smoke my cigarettes and drink my beer
Tell me that this world is no place for the weak
Then you can look me in the eye and tell me if you see a trace of fear
You gotta look sharp
You gotta look sharp
And you gotta have no illusions
Just keep going your way looking over your shoulder
Okay, what you say, tell me what they're wearing this year
Go on and laugh at me, 'cause you don't see that I got something going right here
Say I'm just a dreamer, say I'm just a kid
Well, ace, shut your face, maybe you will see or hear
You gotta look sharp
You gotta look sharp
And you gotta have no illusions
Just keep going your way looking over your shoulder
Big shot, thanks a lot, gotta go, it's getting late
I got a date with my tailor now, thanks for putting me so straight
Tell me how they rob me blind on every street
But check your watch and wallet now before I go and you're too late
You gotta look sharp
You gotta look sharp
And you gotta have no illusions
Just keep going your way looking over your shoulder
Yeah...


Lyrics submitted by agnamaracs

Look Sharp! Lyrics as written by Joe Jackson

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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Look Sharp! song meanings
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    General Comment

    No deeper meaning to this one. It's about a pickpocket who goes to pubs and steals from obnoxious drunk people. The three lines right before "you gotta look sharp" in each verse are what the pickpocket really thinks about the people he's stealing from, whereas the other lyrics are his act getting in their good graces before he steals their stuff. In the end of the song he steals this particular man's watch and wallet after listening to him lecture him on how to dress better.

    bostonragon March 18, 2024   Link

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