The Thrill Is Gone
B.B.King and Tracy Chapman Lyrics


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The thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away
The thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away
You know you done me wrong, baby
You'll be sorry someday

Thrill is gone
The thrill is gone away from me
Thrill is gone, baby
The thrill is gone away from me
Although, I'll still live on baby
But so lonely I'll be

Thrill is gone
Thrill is gone away for good
All the thrill is gone baby
It's gone away for good
Someday I know I'll be open-armed baby
Just like I know, I know I should

I'm free now, baby
I'm free from your spell
Oh, free, free, free now, baby
Baby, I'm free from your spell




Now that it's all over
All that I can do is wish you well

Overall Meaning

“The Thrill Is Gone” is a classic blues song that was written in 1951 by Rick Darnell and Roy Hawkins. The song was made popular by B.B. King in 1969 and later covered by Tracy Chapman in 1999. The lyrics speak of a love that has lost its excitement, with the once passionate feeling of the relationship gone. The repeated line “the thrill is gone” serves as a metaphor for the loss of passion and excitement, which is often associated with the early stages of a relationship.


The opening lines “the thrill is gone, baby. The thrill is gone away” emphasize the loss of passion and the realization that the relationship is over. The lyrics suggest that the woman has done wrong, and that she will be sorry someday. B.B. King’s emotive voice adds intensity to the song, showcasing the pain of losing someone you once loved. The repetitiveness of the lyrics conveys the idea that the emotion is formidable and all-consuming, leaving nothing but a feeling of loneliness and detachment.


The final lines “now that it's all over, all that I can do is wish you well” demonstrate acceptance and resignation. The singer has moved past the misery of heartbreak and is ready to move on, free from the spell of the relationship. The song serves as a powerful reminder that love is a complex emotion that can bring immense joy and heartache.


Line by Line Meaning

The thrill is gone
I no longer feel the excitement and happiness that I used to feel around you


The thrill is gone away
The excitement and happiness that I used to feel around you have disappeared


The thrill is gone, baby
I don't feel the same way about you anymore, my dear


The thrill is gone away
The excitement and happiness that I used to feel around you have disappeared


You know you done me wrong, baby
You know that you hurt me, my dear


You'll be sorry someday
One day you will regret what you have done to me


Thrill is gone
The excitement and happiness are no longer in my life


The thrill is gone away from me
I no longer feel the excitement and happiness that I used to feel


Thrill is gone, baby
I don't feel the same way about you anymore, my dear


The thrill is gone away from me
The excitement and happiness that I used to feel have disappeared


Although, I'll still live on baby
Despite the sadness, I will keep going


But so lonely I'll be
But I will feel very alone


Thrill is gone
The excitement and happiness are no longer in my life


Thrill is gone away for good
The excitement and happiness that I used to feel are gone forever


All the thrill is gone baby
I don't feel the same way about you anymore, my dear


It's gone away for good
The excitement and happiness that I used to feel are gone forever


Someday I know I'll be open-armed baby
One day I will be open to love again


Just like I know, I know I should
I know it's the right thing to do


I'm free now, baby
I am finally free from you, my dear


I'm free from your spell
I am no longer under your influence


Oh, free, free, free now, baby
I am so happy to be free


Baby, I'm free from your spell
I am no longer under your influence, my dear


Now that it's all over
Now that our relationship has come to an end


All that I can do is wish you well
All I can do is hope that things go well for you in the future




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Rick R. Darnell, Roy Hawkins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@moniqueengleman873

I am trying to count how many years ago I saw her open for 10,000 Maniacs. 1986?
Anyway it was a small open venue.
Cheap and intimate. Half the people showed up in mad punk rock attire.
Looking for heavy metal, then the other half was middle 20-35 crowd who knew Natalie Merchant.
The Crowd was hostile and uneasy.
Some of these rebels looked hard core. Then Tracy Chapman came on stage, and everybody booed her.
(Because she is black#racism)

The moment she opened her mouth she had stunned that rowdy drunken crowd into complete silence.
It was Magical. Like you instantly knew she was gonna be famous.
Her voice was different from anything I had heard before.
She finished to a rip roaring crowd and a standing ovation. And the 10,000 Maniacs weren't bad either.
A fabulous night of music 🎶 20 bucks. Ah the good ol'days.



All comments from YouTube:

@stitch2499

I saw BB King live in Baltimore...what a night.. thank you Jesus for that night..

@andddi

Finland can confirm BB King is internationally known and respected.

What a Legend.🥶👑🇫🇮

@agram6743

When BB's voice comes in after the sweetness of Tracey's, it sends shivers through my whole body, every time. Brilliant duet.

@ahveekhy

anybody know where Tracy Chapman is?

@marcybomboy5273

Me too! Chills

@dfbess

I have heard B.B. sing this song with many artist over the years.. but this one with Tracy is the best.. her and B.B. are perfect together..

@harrymaharaj7555

Damn straight👍👍👍✌✌

@tinfoilmagnolia2546

Excellent together. And the look on awe and love Tracys face is priceless.

@abouhadiya

Her
Her name is Miss Tracy

@GradyPlaysGuitar

I really though that was a guy. I don’t like her voice she’s using too much vibrato just doesn’t sound good.

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