Meaning of "Johnny Too Bad" by Taj Mahal

The lyrics of "Johnny Too Bad" by Taj Mahal portray a character, Johnny, who embodies the archetype of a troubled and dangerous individual involved in criminal activities. By repeating the phrase "Johnny you're too bad," the lyrics emphasize Johnny's malevolent nature and antisocial behavior. The mention of a pistol and a ratchet in his waist conveys a sense of threat and violence associated with Johnny. The lines "One of these days when you hear a voice say 'Come', Where you gonna run to?" suggest that despite Johnny's criminal activities, he will eventually face the consequences of his actions and will have nowhere to seek refuge or redemption. The imagery of running to the rock for rescue symbolizes seeking safety or salvation in desperate times, but in Johnny's case, there will be no rock, indicating that he will reach a point where there is no escape from his fate. Overall, the song can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the inevitability of facing repercussions for engaging in destructive behavior and the absence of salvation for those who choose a path of violence and crime.