Days of Old
B.B. King Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Way back yonder in the days of old
The men was working but not saving any dough
Then came a woman looking real cool
She said to herself, "now that's my fool"

I'm gonna ball tonight
I'm gonna ball tonight
Well, I can't break the rule because
Every man is some woman's fool

I met a girl on the avenue
She was sharp and I was blue
Like a teacher and a student in the school
She looked at me and said, "you're my fool"

I'm gonna ball tonight
Yes, I'm gonna ball tonight
Well, I can't break the rule because
Every man is some woman's fool

Way back yonder in the days of old
The men was working but not saving any dough
Then came a woman looking real cool
She began then to play every man for a fool

I'm gonna ball tonight
Yes, I'm gonna ball tonight
Well, there's no use to break the rules because
Every man is some woman's fool

Yeah, I'm gonna ball tonight
We're gonna ball tonight
We're gonna ball tonight
I'm gonna ball tonight




Well, there's no use to break the rules because
Every man is some woman's fool

Overall Meaning

The song "Days of Old" by B.B. King speaks of the timeless struggle between men and women, particularly in the realm of romantic relationships. The verses tell the story of men who work hard but do not keep their money, only to fall prey to the charm of a woman who takes advantage of them. The repeated phrase "Every man is some woman's fool" drives this point home, with a recognition that both men and women can be victims and perpetrators of this cycle.


The first verse sets the scene for the rest of the song, with the mention of "the days of old" suggesting a long-standing tradition of this dynamic between men and women. The woman in question is described as "looking real cool," indicating that she is confident and perhaps even seductive. The second verse introduces a personal encounter with a woman, with the singer describing himself as "blue," or sad, and the woman as "sharp," or cunning. The similarity to a teacher and student relationship drives home the power dynamic at play, with the woman having the upper hand. The final verse repeats the theme of the song, with the assertion that "there's no use to break the rules" because the cycle will always continue.


Overall, "Days of Old" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of falling into patterns of behavior in relationships, and a recognition that both men and women can be complicit in perpetuating these cycles.


Line by Line Meaning

Way back yonder in the days of old
A long time ago


The men was working but not saving any dough
Men were working, but not saving any money


Then came a woman looking real cool
A woman came along who seemed attractive


She said to herself, "now that's my fool"
She saw a man whom she could easily manipulate


I'm gonna ball tonight
I'm going to have a good time tonight


Well, I can't break the rule because
It's not possible to break the unwritten code of conduct regarding relationships


Every man is some woman's fool
Every man can be easily manipulated by a woman


I met a girl on the avenue
I ran into a woman on the street


She was sharp and I was blue
She was confident and I felt down


Like a teacher and a student in the school
Our interaction was like a teacher interacting with a student


She looked at me and said, "you're my fool"
She saw an opportunity to use me to her advantage


Well, there's no use to break the rules because
It's pointless to go against the established order of things


Every man is some woman's fool
Every man can be easily manipulated by a woman


Way back yonder in the days of old
A long time ago


The men was working but not saving any dough
Men were working, but not saving any money


Then came a woman looking real cool
A woman came along who seemed attractive


She began then to play every man for a fool
She then manipulated every man she met


We're gonna ball tonight
We're going to have a good time tonight




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JULES BIHARI, RILEY B. KING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@8House

My all time favorite BB King number. From his most creative period. Every man is some woman's fool.

@screwmaster404

this old BB is wicked good

@MaineBluesman

Thanks, B!

@DTBAMPSPC

what was the release date of this song??

@renatabrandellischaan622

what year is this record? sound so young.

@ReverendShaker

+Renata Brandelli Schaan I'm not sure when it was recorded, but it was released in1958 on KENT records :-)

@abverttt3099

NBA YoungBoy sent me

More Versions