The lyrics of "Can't Con An Honest John" describe a detailed scheme to con someone out of their money by using their own greed against them. The narrator explains how to manipulate the victim by pretending to be conned themselves, setting up a situation where the victim ends up buying a dog at an inflated price. Ultimately, the narrator highlights the irony of the situation and emphasizes that the victim deserves it for trying to con others.

Meaning of "Can't Con An Honest John" by The Streets

The lyrics of "Can't Con An Honest John" explore the theme of deception and manipulation in a satirical manner. Through a detailed narrative of a conning scheme, the song dissects the psychology of greed and how it can be used to exploit others. The narrator reveals the inner workings of a con, showing how it relies on the victim's belief that they are the one pulling off the deception. By creating an elaborate set-up and playing on the victim's desires, the con artists ultimately turn the tables and expose the victim's own dishonesty. The lyrics suggest a sense of poetic justice in the act of conning the conman, highlighting the moral ambiguity and complex dynamics of deceit and manipulation.