It's My Own Fault
B.B.King Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Treat me the way you want to do
It's my own fault, baby
Treat me the way you want to do
Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
At that time, little girl, I didn't love you
Used to make your own pay checks, baby
I'd go out on the hillside, you know
And make every woman, good girl seen
It's my own fault, baby
Treat me the way you want to do
Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
At that time, little girl, I didn't love you
Yes, you used to be here with me, baby
But now you're running around with the boys
You said you were gonna leave me
You're gonna be over in Illinois
And it's my own fault, baby
Treat me the way you want to do
Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
At that time, little girl, I wouldn't be true
Yes, fall on my knees
Raise up my right hand
Yes, I would do better, baby but I
Just don't understand
It's my own fault, baby
Treat me the way you wanna do
Yes, at the time you were loving me, woman
At that time, little girl, I wouldn't be true
The lyrics of B.B. King's "It's My Own Fault" speak to the consequences of neglecting someone’s love and affection. King admits "It's my own fault, baby / Treat me the way you want to do," acknowledging that the current state of his relationship is due to his own actions. He then admits to his infidelity, recounting past decisions that ultimately led to his lover's departure. At the end of the song, King takes responsibility for his mistakes and promises to do better, but also expresses confusion and lack of understanding as to why he acted the way he did.
The lyrics of "It's My Own Fault" are representative of the classic blues theme of lost love and abandonment. The song features King's signature guitar style, with a slow and sultry melody. The lyrics highlight the emotional depth that the blues genre is known for, while also serving as a powerful message about taking responsibility for one's actions.
Line by Line Meaning
It's my own fault, baby
I acknowledge that the situation I'm in is due to my own actions
Treat me the way you want to do
You have the right to treat me the way you see fit, based on my behavior
Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
I realize that you showed me affection at one point in time
At that time, little girl, I didn't love you
However, I didn't reciprocate your love then
Used to make your own pay checks, baby
You used to have financial independence
And bring them all home to me
But you would share your earnings with me
I'd go out on the hillside, you know
I would cheat on you
And make every woman, good girl seen
I would flirt with and pursue other women
Yes, you used to be here with me, baby
You used to be in a relationship with me
But now you're running around with the boys
But now you are hanging around with other men
You said you were gonna leave me
You have expressed your desire to end the relationship
You're gonna be over in Illinois
You plan on moving to another state (Illinois)
And it's my own fault, baby
I realize that my behavior caused this situation
Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
I understand that you did care for me at one time
At that time, little girl, I wouldn't be true
However, I was not faithful to you then
Yes, fall on my knees
I am willing to humble myself
Raise up my right hand
I am willing to make a promise
Yes, I would do better, baby but I
I am willing to improve my behavior
Just don't understand
But I don't know how to change or what went wrong
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JULES BIHARI, RILEY B. KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind