"There's Always An..." In Franco's "Hey Joe"

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Post on Oct 26, 2024

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There's Always An... In Franco's "Hey Joe": Unveiling The Lyrics' Mystery

The iconic rock anthem "Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix is a staple of classic rock, but did you know there's a whole other version by the equally legendary J.J. Cale? And it's the one that really brought the song to life in 1966, even before Hendrix made it a global hit. Cale's version features a haunting lyric that has been the source of much debate: "There's always an..."

What's the missing word? It's a question that has captivated listeners for decades, adding a layer of intrigue to an already powerful song.

The Tale of Two Versions

J.J. Cale's "Hey Joe" is a bluesy, laid-back masterpiece. It's the version that tells the story from the perspective of the man who shoots his woman. While the lyrics are simple, the song's raw emotional power is undeniable. Cale's version features a bluesy, laid-back approach, emphasizing the desperation and regret of the narrator.

Hendrix, on the other hand, took the song to a whole new level with his electrifying guitar playing and a more energetic delivery. His version emphasizes the anger and aggression of the narrator, leaving a more chaotic and unsettling feeling.

The Mystery of The Missing Word

The lyric "There's always an..." is part of a line that describes the narrator's state of mind after committing the crime. It reads:

"There's always an... when a man's been drinkin' And he's got a gun in his hand"

The mystery lies in the fact that the word is never finished. Cale himself has never explicitly revealed what that word is, leaving fans to speculate for years.

Possible Interpretations

Over the years, fans and critics have come up with various interpretations for the missing word. Here are a few of the most popular theories:

• "Excuse": This interpretation suggests that the narrator is trying to justify his actions by claiming he was drunk and didn't know what he was doing.
• "Angel": This is a more poetic interpretation, suggesting that the narrator is haunted by the ghost of his victim or the realization that he's lost his own humanity.
• "Reason": This interpretation suggests that the narrator is trying to rationalize his actions and convince himself that he had a valid reason to kill his woman.

Ultimately, the meaning of the missing word is up to the listener to decide. Cale's ambiguity allows for individual interpretation, making the song even more powerful and thought-provoking.

The Power of Silence

The brilliance of Cale's "Hey Joe" lies not only in its haunting melody but also in its ability to leave a space for the listener's imagination to fill in the blanks. The missing word is a powerful symbol of the narrator's guilt and the complex emotions he's struggling to process. It allows the listener to connect with the song on a personal level and draw their own conclusions.

"Hey Joe" is a song that has resonated with generations of listeners, and the mystery of the missing word continues to add to its enduring appeal. Whether it's Cale's bluesy delivery or Hendrix's electrifying interpretation, "Hey Joe" remains a testament to the power of music to evoke raw emotions and ignite the imagination.