Match Box Blues
Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan Lyrics


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Now, this tune here should be easy for you to deal with
All you gotta do is, is remember back home, you know what I mean
When you was sitting out behind the house
Or practicing on your old guit fiddle

Tryin' to get things together
And you couldn't make in up your mind
You kinda half-way knew what you wanted to do
But, but you didn't have it all together, you know

But you didn't know you wanted to travel
Ain't that right!
Yeah, I remember them days real good
I know

Didn't have really many clothes
I didn't know nobody to call, to sing for you
So you had to get out there in no time
You know, so

You don't make no tiffanies, you say, "I'm goin'
And I know I got a great time, but I'm goin' anyway"
Whatever happens, what happens?
Whatever happens, I gotta pay my dues somewhere
Listen

Dreamed that I was lucky
But I woke up cold in hand, yeah
Hey, I dreamed that I was lucky, darlin'
But I woke up cold in hand, yeah, yeah

I dreamed I had you all by myself
But now I know you found you another man, yeah

Oh, that's why I wonderin'
Will a matchbox hold my clothes?
Hey, sometimes I wonder, darlin'
Will a matchbox hold my clothes? Yeah, yeah

You know I haven't got so many
But I got so far to go, yeah

Yes, you got a good woman
You better pin her to your side, yeah
Hey, if you gotta good lady, fellow
You better pin'er up to your side, yeah, yeah

Because if she flag my train, buddy
I'm bound to let her ride well

Oh, that's why I wonder
Will a matchbox hold my clothes?
Hey, sometimes I wonder, darlin'
Will a matchbox hold my clothes? Yeah, yeah

You know I haven't got so many
But I got so far to go, yeah, ain't that right?

I see you might do something with it
I hope so




Yeah, take it
You know, fix it like it you want

Overall Meaning

The song "Match Box Blues" by Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan is a bluesy tune that tells a story of a man who is reminiscing about his past struggles as a musician. The lyrics describe how the man used to practice on his guitar behind his house, unsure of what he wanted to do with his life. He eventually decides to hit the road, despite not having many belongings or contacts to rely on. The man dreams of having someone special in his life, but ultimately realizes that she has moved on. The song ends with the man wondering if a simple matchbox will be enough to hold the few belongings he has left as he continues on his journey.


The use of imagery in the lyrics is notable, as the matchbox is a symbol for the man's minimalistic lifestyle as he travels from place to place. The song also speaks to the loneliness and uncertainty that can come with being a musician on the road, where one's talent may not always be enough to secure success. The bluesy guitar riffs throughout the song add to the melancholy tone and further emphasize the emotions of the man's journey.


Line by Line Meaning

Now, this tune here should be easy for you to deal with
This song should be manageable for you


All you gotta do is, is remember back home, you know what I mean
Just think back to your early days playing guitar at home


When you was sitting out behind the house
When you were practicing outside your home


Or practicing on your old guit fiddle
Or playing on your old guitar


Tryin' to get things together
Attempting to piece everything together


And you couldn't make in up your mind
You were indecisive


You kinda half-way knew what you wanted to do
You had a partial idea of what you wanted to achieve


But, but you didn't have it all together, you know
But you weren't fully prepared for it, you know


But you didn't know you wanted to travel
However, you did not know you wanted to go beyond your boundaries


Ain't that right!
Isn't that true!


Yeah, I remember them days real good
I recall those times vividly


Didn't have really many clothes
You didn't possess a lot of clothing


I didn't know nobody to call, to sing for you
You did not have anyone to perform for


So you had to get out there in no time
Thus, you had no choice but to get started right away


You don't make no tiffanies, you say, "I'm goin'
You don't create any fuss when you declare, "I'm going"


And I know I got a great time, but I'm goin' anyway
Even though you are aware that you will have a wonderful experience, you are still leaving


Whatever happens, what happens?
Whatever transpires, what occurs?


Whatever happens, I gotta pay my dues somewhere
Regardless of what occurs, I must pay my dues at some point


Dreamed that I was lucky
I had a dream that I was fortunate


But I woke up cold in hand, yeah
However, I awoke with empty hands


Hey, I dreamed that I was lucky, darlin'
I had a dream that I was fortunate, my dear


I dreamed I had you all by myself
I dreamt that you were mine alone


But now I know you found you another man, yeah
But now I am aware that you have discovered another partner


Oh, that's why I wonderin'
That is why I am wondering


Will a matchbox hold my clothes?
Can I use a matchbox to carry my clothes?


Hey, sometimes I wonder, darlin'
Sometimes, my dear, I ponder


You know I haven't got so many
I do not have a lot


But I got so far to go, yeah
But I have a long way to travel yet


Yes, you got a good woman
You have a great lady


You better pin her to your side, yeah
You better hold onto her tightly


Hey, if you gotta good lady, fellow
If you have a good woman, my friend


You better pin'er up to your side, yeah, yeah
You better hold onto her tightly


Because if she flag my train, buddy
Because if she catches my eye, my friend


I'm bound to let her ride well
I am sure to let her ride with me


I see you might do something with it
I see that you could do something significant with it


I hope so
I am hopeful


Yeah, take it
Yes, go for it


You know, fix it like it you want
You know, modify it as you see fit




Writer(s): Albert King, Blind Lemon Jefferson Copyright: Parker Music O.B.O. Albert King'S Music, State Street Music Publishing Co. Inc.

Contributed by Harper B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@Velvet4U

I love this drummer , stays perfect within the "groove" Not to loud, and knows just when to put accents on the just the right beats !!! Great Drummer !!!

@tyleralles5298

You couldnt be more right.

@danoso6905

Love that shuffle

@bushhippie7372

This entire show is a blues classic. Oh man. God help ya if you’ve come into my dive bar and the session is playing. It’s gon be a turner upper.

@leilanirocks

Makes you understand how blues music was meant to replace feeling blue with pure joy. I miss SRV.

@MikeR782

He’s the reason I fell
in love with electric guitar and never looked back. Guitar has saved my life, brought me comfort and relaxed me when I’m anxious. I love it. The best thing I ever did for myself. I think a lot of players feel the same way.

@mmsun44

After listening to Stevie for nearly 30 years of my life I am still blown away by his gift for improvisation. Every aspect of his playing is top notch but his phrasing draws a limitless amount of variations from such a simple scale. He didn't run around like a speed king to show off, it always SOUNDED good and he knew exactly where he was at every moment. The man played guitar with his soul.

@juana1483

What is phrase in geetar??

@stevetrivago

13 gauge strings 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

@MrBonez4242

Hearing Steve Ray play the guitar always send shivers down my spine.

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