Blues At Sunrise
Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan Lyrics
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The sun rises in the east lover, it sets deeply in the west
I've been looking for my lover, and I haven't found her yet
I'm gonna call up China and see if my baby's over there
I'm gonna call up China and see if my baby's over there
You know I looked the whole world over, I can't find my lover nowhere
She won't write me no letters, won't even call me on the telephone
You know I haven't had no real good lovin' since that gal of mine been gone
Someday baby, you're gonna want me like I want you
Someday baby, you're gonna want me like I want you
But when I call you on the phone darlin', I'll say I have nothing for you to do
The lyrics of "Blues at Sunrise" by Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan are a soulful reflection on the longing for a lost lover. The song uses the recurring metaphor of the sun rising and setting to express the passage of time without the singer's lover. Despite looking all over the world, the singer has yet to find their lover, and they begin to feel desperate, even considering calling China to find their beloved. The repeated refrain about the lack of communication from the lover further emphasizes the pain of separation and the hopelessness of the situation. However, the final stanza is a powerful declaration of the singer's willingness to move on and not be taken advantage of again.
Throughout the song, the blues guitar playing of Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan adds a mournful quality to the lyrics, heightening the emotional impact of the song. The solo breaks in particular are a masterclass in blues guitar, showcasing the technical ability and emotional expressiveness of both guitarists. The lyrics and music work together to create a powerful statement of loss and resilience that continues to resonate with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun rises in the east lover, it sets deeply in the west
The song begins with the obvious fact that life is cyclical; time flows from day to night and night to day.
I've been looking for my lover, and I haven't found her yet
The singer is desperately trying to find his lover, but hasn't had any luck so far.
I'm gonna call up China and see if my baby's over there
He's willing to check the other side of the world to find his lover; he's that desperate.
You know I looked the whole world over, I can't find my lover nowhere
Despite his efforts, he's still unable to locate his lover.
She won't write me no letters, won't even call me on the telephone
His lover is not responding to any of his attempts to get in touch with her; she's either ignoring him or physically unable to respond.
You know I haven't had no real good lovin' since that gal of mine been gone
He hasn't had any joy or pleasure since his lover left; she was the source of his happiness.
Someday baby, you're gonna want me like I want you
He's convinced that his lover will eventually realize what she's given up and come back to him.
But when I call you on the phone darlin', I'll say I have nothing for you to do
When she does finally come back to him, he's going to make her work for his forgiveness; he won't make it easy for her.
Contributed by Sarah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.