Questionnaire Blues
B.B. King Lyrics


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I've got my questionaire
Aand they need me in the war
I've got my questionaire
Aand they need me in the war
Yes, if I have to commit murder
Won't have to (???)

I want the thirty two-twenty
Made on a forty-five frame
I want the thirty two-twenty
Made on a forty-five frame
And a red, white and blue fag
Wear it in my right hand

Yeah, you can tell my baby
Tell her to please wait for me
Yeah, you can tell my baby
Tell her to please wait for me




Well I meet her one mornin'
Down by that old Red Sea

Overall Meaning

In B.B. King's song "Questionnaire Blues," the singer is faced with the realities of being drafted into the war effort. He has his questionnaire in hand and knows that the government needs him to fight in the war. Despite the potential dangers he faces as a soldier, he still wants certain material possessions, such as a thirty two-twenty made on a forty-five frame and a red, white, and blue flag to wear in his right hand. These material wants are juxtaposed against the danger he will experience in the war, as he contemplates the possibility of having to commit murder.


Throughout the song, the singer is reminded of his loved ones. He tells the listener to tell his baby to wait for him, recalling a pleasant memory of meeting her one morning by the old Red Sea. The song highlights the complex emotions and decisions that come with being drafted into the military, while also speaking to themes of love and materialism.


Line by Line Meaning

I've got my questionaire
I have received a form containing a list of questions to answer.


Aand they need me in the war
The military requires my service in the current war.


Yes, if I have to commit murder
I am willing to take a life if required.


Won't have to (???)
It is unclear what this line means in the context of the song.


I want the thirty two-twenty
I desire a firearm that shoots .32 caliber bullets.


Made on a forty-five frame
I prefer the firearm to be constructed using a .45 caliber frame.


And a red, white and blue fag
I want an American flag accessory in those colors.


Wear it in my right hand
I want to display the accessory in my dominant hand.


Yeah, you can tell my baby
Please convey a message to my significant other.


Tell her to please wait for me
Ask her to remain faithful during my time away from her.


Well I meet her one mornin'
I recall meeting her one morning.


Down by that old Red Sea
I remember being near or at a location called the Red Sea during this meeting.




Contributed by Ella B. 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

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