Keep Punching Joe

from Hi, How Are You (1983) by Daniel Johnston

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lyrics

Ladies and gentlemen
He headed out west looking for the best
And he's here tonight, he says he's got a lot to get off his chest
Here he is, ladies and gentlemen
None other than Daniel D. Johnston
Thank you, thank you very much for that lovely introduction
Thank you very much
A-one, a-two, a-one, a-two

Listen, folks, I gotta tell you now
I've been singing the blues and walking the cow
I tell you, my soul's like running water
Hot or cold now, one or the other

I guess I lean toward the excessive
But that's just the way it is when you're a manic depressive

An angel appeared to me
And told me if you want love, you gotta give
Let me tell you now, it's been a long, hard summer
And I feel every bit, every bit more dumber

Don't know where it is I'm gonna go
Heard somebody say, "Keep punching, Joe"
Keep punching, Joe
Keep punching, Joe
Keep punching
Dial P for pest control

Ah, now let me tell you about my family
You know they've been right there beside me
Through all this time that I've been low
They've been punching Joe

Keep punching Joe
Kick him right in the face
They keep punching Joe
Kick him when he's down
They keep punching Joe
Kick him, kick him when he's low

I've got some things to get off my chest
Well, I've got some things to get off my chest
Yes, I've got some things to get off my chest
How am I supposed to give love
If I never got love?
And what the heck am I punching for?
And how am I to look God in the face
When I feel so much disgrace?
Now, that's better off my chest
Than out of my mind
Keep punching, Joe
Yeah, woo
Woo

credits

from Hi, How Are You (1983), released September 1, 1983

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about

Daniel Johnston Waller, Texas

An American singer, songwriter, musician, and artist, Daniel Johnston spent 30 or so years exposing his heartrending tales of unrequited love, cosmic mishaps, and existential torment to an ever-growing international cult audience.

hihowareyou.com

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