It's My Life
BB King & Willie Nelson Lyrics


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It's my own fault, baby
Treat me the way you want to do
It's my own fault, baby
Treat me the way you want to do
Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
At that time, little girl, I didn't love you

Used to make your own pay checks, baby
And bring them all home to me
I'd go out on the hillside, you know
And make every woman, good girl seen
It's my own fault, baby
Treat me the way you want to do
Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
At that time, little girl, I didn't love you

Yes, you used to be here with me, baby
But now you're running around with the boys
You said you were gonna leave me
You're gonna be over in Illinois
And it's my own fault, baby
Treat me the way you want to do
Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
At that time, little girl, I wouldn't be true

Yes, fall on my knees
Raise up my right hand
Yes, I would do better, baby but I
Just don't understand
It's my own fault, baby
Treat me the way you wanna do




Yes, at the time you were loving me, woman
At that time, little girl, I wouldn't be true

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "It's My Own Fault" by BB King and Willie Nelson depict a personal reflection on a failed relationship. The singer acknowledges that the treatment they receive from their partner is their own fault, implying that they played a role in allowing their partner to mistreat them. They are aware that the way they are being treated is a consequence of their own actions or choices.


The singer admits that in the past, their partner loved them sincerely, but during that time, they did not reciprocate those feelings. This suggests that the singer took their partner's love for granted and did not appreciate it when it was offered. This realization adds to their guilt and acknowledgment that they are responsible for the current state of their relationship.


The lyrics mention how the partner used to bring home their own earnings, showing that they were once independent and supportive. However, the singer confesses that they cheated on their partner with other women. They would pursue other women while neglecting their relationship, emphasizing that they were the one who caused their partner to stray away.


The singer then recounts how their partner has since left them and is now spending time with other people, particularly with other men. The partner expressed their intention to leave and relocate to Illinois. The singer's realization that their actions have driven their partner away further highlights their accountability for the deteriorating relationship.


In the final verse, the singer expresses remorse and a desire to change. They admit that they would make amends and do better, but they also acknowledge their lack of understanding of why things went wrong. This introspective point demonstrates their sincere introspection and willingness to take responsibility for their faults, even if they struggle to comprehend the reasons for their actions.


Overall, these lyrics provide a raw introspection into a failed relationship, with the singer acknowledging their own faults and the consequences of their actions. It serves as a reflection on the importance of appreciating love when it is given and taking responsibility for one's own actions in relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

It's my own fault, baby
I take full responsibility for the way things have turned out, my dear


Treat me the way you want to do
Handle me in any manner you see fit


Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
Indeed, in those days, you showered me with affection, honey


At that time, little girl, I didn't love you
Unfortunately, back then, I was incapable of reciprocating your love, darling


Used to make your own pay checks, baby
You used to earn your own wages, my love


And bring them all home to me
And faithfully bring them to me, my dear


I'd go out on the hillside, you know
In turn, I would venture out to the countryside, you see


And make every woman, good girl seen
Engaging with every woman that crossed my path, causing distress, my sweet


Yes, you used to be here with me, baby
Oh, how you used to be by my side, my darling


But now you're running around with the boys
But now you are gallivanting with other men, my love


You said you were gonna leave me
You claimed that you were going to depart from me


You're gonna be over in Illinois
And relocate to Illinois, my dear


And it's my own fault, baby
I must admit, my love, that this predicament is entirely my fault


Treat me the way you want to do
Handle me according to your desire, my dear


Yes, at the time, you were loving me, baby
Indeed, in those days, you showered me with affection, honey


At that time, little girl, I wouldn't be true
Regrettably, back then, I couldn't stay faithful, sweetheart


Yes, fall on my knees
Oh, I would willingly humble myself


Raise up my right hand
Lift up my right hand, as a sign of my commitment


Yes, I would do better, baby but I
Certainly, I would strive to improve, my love, but I


Just don't understand
Simply cannot comprehend, my sweetheart


It's my own fault, baby
I acknowledge that it is entirely my own doing, my love


Treat me the way you wanna do
Handle me in the manner you desire, my dear


Yes, at the time you were loving me, woman
Indeed, back then, you were showering me with affection, my lady


At that time, little girl, I wouldn't be true
Unfortunately, during that period, I couldn't remain faithful, my sweetheart




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@yogsenforfoth5948

Hearing Trigger and Lucille sing together makes me shed a few tears. These two legends made such amazing music together. ❤

@marksimpson2321

This version is absolutely amazingly played, produced and recorded. Brilliant.

@pamelaknowles9647

Absolutely Great performance, version.. 2 of the Grestest legends. Rip BB. Love this Willie and BB. Pure perfection chills goosebumps, 🎸🎸🎶🎼❤️❤️

@bikeluversusie2522

I have never had the honor to attend a Willie concert but I have seen BB live in Iowa at Saturday in the Park in Sx City about 6 years ago. I cried. It was such a moving experience. Peace & Love! ✌💕

@richardremick1639

BB King makes me cry also I love that man and his music ❤

@donnamariepszoniak6101

Just so Beautiful& Heartwarming Two Legends Willie and BB King just love the Blues "" Night Life ""🐚💘💘💘💘💘🎶🎶🎶🎶

@ericnewman3352

This shows the common roots of Country and the Blues. A moving performance by two all-time greats !

@erwinwetzig3565

I want this song in my funeral......

@calebtheshamen7033

Two absolute legends, never knew they played together!! Rip REAL music

@progmeup

They actually played the song several times together - here's a live recording:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxZCjxwHjiM
And here's one with switched roles, where BB is guesting on Willie's album:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvYxhnYKqD0

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