"Assassins" by Geto Boys tells the story of two individuals, Johny C and Juke Box, who become assassins due to a life of crime and desperation in an impoverished neighborhood. The lyrics paint a dark and violent picture, highlighting the characters' actions and their mindset. In the first verse, Johny C describes his life of theft and desperation. He stole from a blind man, tried to pawn the stolen items, and resorted to violence, reflecting his desperation and anger towards his circumstances. He also mentions assaulting his teacher to extort money and better grades. In the second verse, Juke Box talks about his job as a hustler. He reminisces about a woman named Sheila and an encounter with Detective Ray McCarthy. Juke Box's story takes a gruesome turn when he picks up Sheila, a drug addict, and ultimately kills her with a machete. These actions show his descent into madness and his capacity for violence. The third verse shared by Johny C reveals his dark past and reveals an Oedipal twist. He mentions killing his own father, a priest, after catching him in a sinful act. Johny C also boasts about stealing from the poor and lying on others, showing his lack of remorse and moral corruption. He then recounts picking up a hitchhiker and engaging in sexual acts before violently kicking her out of his house. Overall, the song portrays the destructive and violent behavior of its characters, emphasizing the grim reality of life in the ghetto and the consequences of their actions. The lyrics serve as a commentary on societal issues such as poverty, crime, and the effects they can have on individuals.
