When Love Comes To Town
B.B. King Lyrics


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I was a sailor, I was lost at sea
I was under the waves
Before love rescued me
I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread
Now I stand accused of the things I've said

Love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

I used to make love under a red sunset
I was making promises I was soon to forget
She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown
But I left her standing before love came to town

I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream
The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream
As the music played I saw my life turn around
That was the day before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

When love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But I've seen love conquer the great divide

When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that train
When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame




Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
But I did what I did before love came to town

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to B.B. King's song 'When Love Comes to Town' describe a journey of a man from being lost and troubled to finding redemption and hope through the power of love. The song talks about the impact of love on his life, how it rescued him from his troubled past and led him towards a new beginning.


Initially, the singer of the song was lost and adrift as a sailor, but love rescued him from the sea. He was once a fighter, but now he is accused of the things he has done. The arrival of love in his life brought a new energy that prompted him to jump on the train and catch the flame wherever it takes him. Although he realizes that he may have made mistakes in the past, he is willing to move forward and embrace the love that comes his way.


The song also brings in some religious symbolism in the last verses, referring to the crucifixion of Jesus and the power of love conquering divisions. The song overall seems to portray love as a transformative force that can provide new direction and hope to people who feel lost.


Line by Line Meaning

I was a sailor, I was lost at sea
I was feeling lost and directionless


I was under the waves
I was overwhelmed and suffocating


Before love rescued me
Before I found love and a purpose in life


I was a fighter, I could turn on a thread
I was always ready for a battle or a challenge


Now I stand accused of the things I've said
Now I am facing the consequences of my words and actions


Love comes to town I'm gonna jump that train
When I find love, I will eagerly pursue it


When love comes to town I'm gonna catch that flame
When I find love, I will be consumed by it


Maybe I was wrong to ever let you down
Perhaps I made a mistake in disappointing someone I cared for


But I did what I did before love came to town
But before finding love, I acted with the knowledge and experience that I had


I used to make love under a red sunset
I used to experience intimacy or romance during beautiful moments


I was making promises I was soon to forget
I may have made promises I couldn't keep or didn't intend to keep


She was pale as the lace of her wedding gown
She had a ghostly, sad appearance


But I left her standing before love came to town
But I left her before finding love and realizing the importance of holding onto it


I ran into a juke joint when I heard a guitar scream
I stumbled upon a lively and soulful place by following the music


The notes were turning blue, I was dazing in a dream
The music was having a profound and emotional effect on me


As the music played I saw my life turn around
The music helped me find my way and give purpose to my life


That was the day before love came to town
That was the day I found meaning in my life, but before I found love


I was there when they crucified my Lord
I was present during a significant moment in history


I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I had a minor role in a violent act


I threw the dice when they pierced his side
I participated in a game of chance during a key moment


But I've seen love conquer the great divide
But I have witnessed the power of love to overcome barriers and bring people together




Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM CLAYTON, DAVE EVANS, LARRY MULLEN, PAUL HEWSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@mydogsdanglybits

How very privileged we’re U2 to have played with one of the greatest 🀩

@jeffreyferenc3672

A blues/rock classic I never get tired of listening to. King's guitar is perfect and his voice is bigger than a house. One of the all time best collaborations ever.

@herry8488

IndeedπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘Œ

@WarriorMigs24

So good

@johnnacalverase2871

BB's Voice is a freight train.

@michaelspicer1236

BB King added to the bad ass sound of this song! Much respect!

@davidvolvostewart1592

Bb King makes this song happen

@andrewinstre

I am An African and when I saw this rock band U2 acknowledge Black Music(through their album, Rattle and Hum) how it came to the USA and influenced the USA, through Gospel,Jazz,Rock'n'Roll,The Blues, I say U2 thank you at least acknowledging that it was the Black Community through Gospel that birthed Rock'N'Roll

@robertcarroll57

r'n'b as we know it now, steamed form African and Irish musicians getting together and sharing each others music and 200 hundred years latter. hi presto

@robertcarroll57

I ment stemed ie( came from)

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