Johnny 99 Song Details
| Song Title | Johnny 99 |
|---|---|
| Singer/Artist | Bruce Springsteen |
| Album | Nebraska ’82: Expanded Edition |
| Release Date | 24-10-2025 |
Johnny 99 Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Well, they closed down the auto plant
In Mahwah late last month
Ralph went out lookin’ for a job
But he couldn’t find none
He came home too drunk
From mixin’ Tanqueray and wine
He got a gun, shot a night clerk –
Now they call him Johnny 99
[Verse 2]
Down in the part of town
Where when you hit a red light, you don’t stop
Johnny’s wavin’ his gun around
And threatenin’ to blow his top
When an off-duty cop snuck up on him from behind
Out in front of the Club Tip Top,
They slapped the cuffs on Johnny 99
[Verse 3]
Well, the city supplied a public defender
But the judge was Mean John Brown
He came into the courtroom and stared poor Johnny down
“Well, the evidence is clear
Gonna let the sentence, son, fit the crime
Prison for 98 and a year
And we’ll call it even, Johnny 99”
[Verse 4]
A fistfight broke out in the courtroom,
They had to drag Johnny’s girl away
His mama stood up and shouted
“Judge, don’t take my boy this way”
“Well, son, you got any statement you’d like to make
Before the bailiff comes to forever take you away?”
[Verse 5]
“Now, judge, judge, I got debts no honest man could pay
The bank was holdin’ my mortgage and takin’ my house away
Now I ain’t sayin’ that made me an innocent man
But it was more than all this that put that gun in my hand
[Verse 6]
Well, Your Honor, I do believe I’d be better off dead
And if you can take a man’s life for the thoughts that’s in his head
Then won’t you sit back in that chair
And think it over, judge, one more time?
And let ’em shave off my hair
And put me on that execution line” (Woo!)
Johnny 99 Song Meaning & Background
“Johnny 99” unfolds as an emotional reflection on change, self-acceptance, and the search for meaning. Through evocative storytelling, Bruce Springsteen channels raw honesty that makes the track instantly relatable. The “Johnny 99 Bruce Springsteen lyrics” beautifully balance vulnerability and hope, inviting listeners to embrace imperfections as part of growth. Featured on Nebraska ’82: Expanded Edition, this song captures the bittersweet essence of learning to move forward after difficult times. With expressive melodies and introspective writing, Bruce Springsteen delivers a piece that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, reaffirming their place among today’s most thoughtful artists.
About Bruce Springsteen
In Johnny 99, Bruce Springsteen takes a reflective approach, crafting a song that feels like a window into their soul. The track, from Nebraska ’82: Expanded Edition, has quickly become a fan favorite in the U.S. market. The Johnny 99 lyrics explore themes of love, resilience, and identity — staples of Bruce Springsteen’ catalog.
Listen & Watch
You can stream Johnny 99 on major platforms as soon as it drops — Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is “Johnny 99” releasing?
A. 24-10-2025
Q. Who wrote “Johnny 99”?
A. Update Soon
Q. Who produced “Johnny 99”?
A. Update Soon
Q. Which album features “Johnny 99”?
A. Nebraska ’82: Expanded Edition
Join the Hype
What do you think about Johnny 99? Which lyric line hits you the hardest? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation with fans worldwide!