Outside Help
B.B.King Lyrics
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I've said all of your affection is gone baby and your love is growing cold
Hey, I've got a new story to tell you this evening, baby
One that ain't never been told
I went to work the other day
But I thought that I would double back
And that car I saw sitting in front of my door
I ain't got none now baby
I think you've been cheating on me
I believe to my soul baby, that you've given me some outside help
That I don't think I really need
The iceman came by this morning
And you know he didn't leave no ice
The postman came by later baby
And he didn't even ring twice
I think you've been cheating on me
I think you're running out on me
I believe to my soul baby, that you've given me some outside help
That I don't think I really need
Now, I want you to tell the iceman
The next time he'd better leave some ice
And I want you to tell the postman
He'd better ring more than twice
And when I come home from work in the morning
Better still be some groceries on the shelf
I want to tell that slick insurance man
That he'd better write some insurance on his self
Yes, I think you've been cheating on me
I think you're running out on me
I believe to my soul baby, that you've given me some help, some help
Some help, I don't really need
The lyrics of "Outside Help" by B.B.King tell the story of a man whose lover's affection has vanished, and whose love is growing cold. He suspects that his lover may have been cheating on him, and has given him some "outside help" that he doesn't think he really needs. The man recounts an incident in which he saw a brand new Cadillac parked in front of his door, which leads him to suspect that his lover has been unfaithful. He also mentions that the iceman and postman have been acting suspiciously, and he believes that this is further evidence of his lover's infidelity. The man demands that his lover tell the iceman to leave some ice, and the postman to ring the doorbell more than twice. He also wants to ensure that there are groceries on the shelf when he comes home from work in the morning. The song ends with the man expressing his belief that his lover has given him some help that he doesn't need.
The lyrics of this song explore themes of suspicion, infidelity, and trust within a romantic relationship. The man's suspicion that his lover has been unfaithful is a central theme of the song, and his demands for her to prove her loyalty are a reflection of his distrust. The lyrics also suggest that there is a power dynamic within the relationship, with the man asserting his dominance and demanding that his lover meet his expectations. However, despite his accusations and suspicions, the man also acknowledges that he doesn't really need the outside help that he believes his lover has given him, suggesting his inner turmoil and confusion about the relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
All of your affection is gone baby and your love is growing cold
Your love for me has faded and you don't show me the affection you used to. You are slowly pulling away from our relationship.
Hey, I've got a new story to tell you this evening, baby
One that ain't never been told
I have a new story to share with you, something that I've never talked about before.
I went to work the other day
But I thought that I would double back
And that car I saw sitting in front of my door
Looked like a brand new, a brand new Cadillac, yeah!
I went to work but returned home unexpectedly and saw a new, shiny Cadillac parked in front of our home, which surprised me.
I ain't got none now baby
I think you've been cheating on me
I believe to my soul baby, that you've given me some outside help
That I don't think I really need
I don't have any proof but I strongly believe that you have been unfaithful to me, and someone else is helping you with it, even though I don't need that kind of help in my life.
The iceman came by this morning
And you know he didn't leave no ice
The postman came by later baby
And he didn't even ring twice
The delivery man who usually brings us ice and our daily mail made mistakes today. He didn't leave any ice, and the postman did not ring twice.
Now, I want you to tell the iceman
The next time he'd better leave some ice
And I want you to tell the postman
He'd better ring more than twice
Next time the delivery men come, I want you to make sure they don't make these mistakes again - I want the iceman to leave ice, and the postman to ring twice before leaving.
And when I come home from work in the morning
Better still be some groceries on the shelf
I want to tell that slick insurance man
That he'd better write some insurance on his self
When I come back from work in the morning, I better find groceries in the house. And by the way, that insurance agent who has been hitting on you should take care of himself when I find out what's been happening.
Yes, I think you've been cheating on me
I think you're running out on me
I believe to my soul baby, that you've given me some help, some help
Some help, I don't really need
Once again, I think you are cheating on me, and maybe even trying to leave me. I believe you have help from someone else, even though I don't need anyone's help in this situation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: B.B. KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alejandroribeiro7342
All of your affection is gone baby and your love is growing cold
I said, all of your affection is gone baby and your love is growing cold
Hey and I've got a new story to tell you this evening, baby
One that ain't never been told
I went to work the other day
But I thought that I'd double back
And that car I saw sitting in front of my door
Looked like a brand new, a brand new Cadillac
Yes, I ain't got none now, baby
I think you've been cheating on me
I believe to my soul baby, you've given me some outside help
That I don't think I really need
The iceman came by this morning
And you know, he didn't leave no ice
Postman came by later baby
And he didn't even ring twice
Yes, I think you've been cheating on me
I think you're running out on me
I believe to my soul baby that you've given me some outside help
That I don't think I really need
Now, I want you to tell the iceman
The next time he'd better leave some ice
And I want you to tell the postman
He'd better ring more than twice
And when I come home from work in the morning
Better still be some groceries on the shelf
And I want you to tell that slick insurance man
That he'd better write some insurance on his self
Yes, I think you've been cheating on me
I think you're running out on me
I believe to my soul baby, that you've given me some help, some help
Some help, I don't really need
@FrozenHero2010
One of the great things I enjoy when listening to B. B. King is how very slowly and deliberately he plays his solos. No need to shred a la Joe Bonamassa.
@golactico1178
If someone asked me; "What's The Blues?". I'd play them this.
@dandiego7298
I've enjoyed this tune--one of my favorite BB King songs--for so many years now. You're missed.
@tulioarrial
Um dos maiores artistas que tive a oportunidade de ver. Sempre acompanhado dos melhores músicos, a empatia com a platéia era indescritível. Ele fazia você sentir que o show era para você, enquanto você via sua vida passar na sua frente através do sentimento que ele colocava em sua música. Que Deus abençoe o rei do blues...R.I.P BB King
@LuisSalvadorMuchanga
O gênio de blues
@dangrove3714
The best guitar that I have ever heard is the beginning of this song. So pure, so soulful
@plumedargent4459
Dig this tune a lot, always have, we're gonna miss you BB.
RIP
@maybellewiley6688
The perfect way to end a evening.
@jamestunnicliffe5100
Nobody has a voice (or quivers their forefinger) quite like B.B.
@rayhudson6561
What a tune this is and my favourite recording of it too. Like you guys this is my all time favourite BB song and it will always change my mood for the better. RIP BB King! There'll never be another like you......