It's Still Called The Blues
B.B. King Lyrics


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People Got Money
Still Got problems
Got to the doctor
And try to solve them
Anyway you look at it
It's still called the blues

Baby needs new shoes
Mama needs a new dress
Daddy's out scufflin'
Tryin' to do his best
Anyway you look at it
It's still called the blues

Makes no difference
What you do or say
The blues might still
Come your way
Just when you think
Your trouble's about to end
Along comes something
And start it all over again

You party on a Saturday
Go to church on Sunday
Fun leaves you because
Gotta work on Monday
Anyway you look at it


It's still called the blues

Makes no difference
What you do or say
The blues might still
Come your way
Just when you think
Your trouble's about to end
Along comes something
And start it all over again

Ain't got no money
To pay the rent
Baby's gone
You spent your last cent
Mm, still called the blues
Still called the blues, y'all

Anyway you look at it
Makes no difference
What you do or say
The blues might still
Come your way
Just when you think
Your trouble's about to end




Along comes something
And start it all over again

Overall Meaning

B.B. King's "It's Still Called The Blues" is a melancholic number that highlights the struggles of everyday life. King conveys the message that no matter how much we try to escape or change our situations, life remains unpredictable, and problems always arise. The song's opening lines suggest that even people who have money struggle with problems and obstacles in their lives. Visiting a doctor might provide a temporary solution, but it doesn't guarantee a way out of the blues.


The song describes a parent's desire to provide for their loved ones, but the tough financial situation doesn't permit them to do so. The line "Baby needs new shoes, Mama needs a new dress" conveys a parent's longing to provide for their family members' basic needs. The verse concludes with the line "Anyway you look at it, it's still called the blues," which signifies that regardless of the reasons for their struggles, blues is a constant in people’s lives.


The song’s upbeat melody contrasts with the gloomy lyrics, emphasizing the message that the blues might hit us in unexpected ways, even after joyous moments like parties or weekends. However, King offers no escape or solution but emphasizes that the blues are a part of life. Hence, the lyrics "Just when you think your trouble's about to end, Along comes something, And start it all over again," signify that life is a cycle of highs and lows, and irrespective of our efforts, we might find ourselves in the blues at any moment.


Line by Line Meaning

People Got Money
Having money doesn't mean you don't have problems.


Still Got problems
Everyone has problems.


Got to the doctor
People try to find solutions to their problems.


And try to solve them
People try to overcome their problems.


Anyway you look at it
No matter how you see things...


It's still called the blues
...problems are still problems, and that's the blues.


Baby needs new shoes
Kids always have needs that require money.


Mama needs a new dress
Mothers have wants too.


Daddy's out scufflin'
Fathers have to work hard just to keep up.


Tryin' to do his best
Fathers do what they can to provide for their family.


Makes no difference
It doesn't matter...


What you do or say
...what you do or say doesn't change things.


The blues might still
Problems can come to anyone.


Come your way
They can come unexpectedly.


Just when you think
Even when things seem like they're about to improve...


Your trouble's about to end
...problems can still come your way.


Along comes something
Something unexpected happens.


And start it all over again
And you're back to dealing with problems once more.


You party on a Saturday
You have fun when you can...


Go to church on Sunday
...even if it means returning to work the next day.


Fun leaves you because
Having fun doesn't last forever...


Gotta work on Monday
...since you have to return to work.


Ain't got no money
Being broke...


To pay the rent
...can bring about more problems, like not being able to pay the bills.


Baby's gone
Losing loved ones brings about great pain.


You spent your last cent
Having no money left signifies the end of the line.


Mm, still called the blues
No matter the situation, it all comes down to enduring the hardship.


Still called the blues, y'all
Problems will never go away, and that's the blues.




Contributed by Sebastian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Anonymous


on Always On My Mind

Here's BB King's Version - Lyrics

Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I should have
Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I could have

If I made you feel second best
Girl I'm sorry I was blind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
I guess I never told you
That I am so happy that you're mine
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
ou were always on my mind

If I made you feel second best
Girl I'm sorry I was blind

Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance
To satisfied
I'll keep you satisfied

Musical Interlude

Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance
To satisfied
I'll keep you satisfied

More Versions