Little Joe, run for the border
Leave your home
Go where the reptiles roam
On the side of the border that is your home

Little Joe, eyes of your lover look back on you
As you run for cover
Though stick and fire and may break your bones
There's a light in the tunnel that leads you home

Little Joe, just like your father
Your eyes will water, your guts will splatter
Though sticks and fire, sticks and fire
Won't break your bones, it is a lie

Little Joe, run for the border
Leave your mother and father
Go to where the reptiles roam
They're waiting for you, Little Joe


Lyrics submitted by Nelly

Little Joe Lyrics as written by Kim A. Thayil Christopher J. Cornell

Lyrics © Hipgnosis Songs Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Little Joe song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

5 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    General Comment

    Border crossing? Yes, but not from Mexico to America.

    Fellow Seattleite Jimi Hendrix recorded "Hey, Joe" decades before this song. It's about a man who catches his woman cheating, shoots her, and flees for Mexico. This song is parallel to that one. Joe's kid is the one making the run now.

    And reptiles is a reference to reptiles. Seriously. There are reptiles in the desert between here and there. I live in that desert now. I've seen them.

    balshanon August 11, 2008   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Mental Istid
Ebba Grön
This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
Album art
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Album art
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.