Driftin' Blues
B. B. King & Bobby Blue Bland Lyrics

The song "Driftin' Blues" is a blues standard that has been recorded by many artists but is most closely associated with B. B. King and Bobby Blue Bland's version. The lyrics convey the sense of aimlessness and loneliness that comes with drifting through life without purpose, using the metaphor of a ship adrift at sea. The singer bemoans his lack of friends and the fact that he has nobody in the world who cares for him. He longs for his lover to take him back but doubts he is good for anything, acknowledging that he has given her all of his money but still cannot win her affection. The song ends with the repetition of "bye-bye baby," signaling the singer's resignation that it may be too late to salvage the relationship, and he will soon be too far away to come back.

The song, while a sad story of unrequited love and loneliness, is also an example of the power of the blues to connect with the listener on an emotional level. The metaphor of drifting and being lost at sea is one that many can relate to, and the singer's vulnerability and honesty in admitting his flaws resonate with people from all walks of life. The fact that the song has been covered by so many artists over the years is a testament to its timeless appeal.