All Over Again
B B King Lyrics


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I've got a good mind to give up living, and go shopping instead
I say, I've got a good mind to give up living, and go shopping instead
To pick up me a tombstone, and be pronounced dead

When I read your letter this morning baby, that was in your place in bed
When I read your letter this morning, that was in your place in bed
That's when I decided, that I would be better off dead
The letter read, no use in you looking, or ever hoping to get me back




No use, no use in looking for me baby, or ever hoping to get me back
Because it's all over now baby, baby you can bet on that

Overall Meaning

B. B. King's "Paying the Cost to Be the Boss" is a blues song about the struggles of being in charge. The song begins with the singer contemplating giving up on living and wanting to go shopping instead. The singer expresses frustration and exhaustion as the "boss" and suggests that death might be the better option.


The second verse describes the singer reading a letter from a loved one who has abandoned them. The letter is callous and states that there is no hope for reconciliation. This experience leads the singer to decide that death would be better than living this life of constant disappointment and pain.


The song speaks to the emotional toll that comes with being in charge and having to make tough decisions that may not always be popular. The song also touches on the idea that even those in positions of power can face deep emotional struggles and pain.


Line by Line Meaning

I've got a good mind to give up living, and go shopping instead
I am extremely frustrated and unhappy with my life to the point where I would rather waste my time and money shopping than continue living.


I say, I've got a good mind to give up living, and go shopping instead
I reiterate that I am seriously considering giving up on life and finding temporary relief through shopping.


To pick up me a tombstone, and be pronounced dead
I am so miserable that I am contemplating purchasing a tombstone for myself and declaring myself dead.


When I read your letter this morning, that was in your place in bed
I discovered a letter from you this morning that was left in your spot in bed.


That's when I decided, that I would be better off dead
After reading your letter, I came to the conclusion that I would be better off dead than continuing to live in such misery.


No use, no use in looking for me baby, or ever hoping to get me back
You should stop searching for me and abandon any hope of us reconciling because it's not going to happen.


Because it's all over now baby, baby you can bet on that
Our relationship is officially over and there is no chance of us ever getting back together.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: B.B. KING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

saul ortiz

this is pure blues women and gentleman...pure blues...you cant hear it...you cant dance it...you must feel it...

Too Blessed Miller

aight now!

nonpareil2003

Hands down. The greatest version of this song I've ever heard! Wonderful opening guitar solo, brilliant piano solo, a most masterful crescendo and heartfelt singing. What more could one possibly ask for?

Mike Levand

You can purchase the best recorded version of this song on IPOD store. On the album How Blue Can You Get (classic live performances), it goes under the name 'all over again' with the Jazz Crusaders. It is a great recording.

nonpareil2003

Hands down. The greatest version of this song I've ever heard! Wonderful opening guitar solo, brilliant piano solo, a most masterful crescendo and heartfelt singing. What more could one possibly ask for? BTW, what album or performance is this from?

seb aut

Live in Umea, sweden

Too Blessed Miller

...hell to da yeah yeah!

Andrzej Szymański

@Too Blessed Miller Jazz Festival Umel 1986

LCG2210

This song is his most beautiful number, by lyrics and by playing. The most touching instrumental version was in Japan:

Thank you for having been on earth!! Thank you for what you leave behind!!

riff724 riff724

1 of the most influential guitarists , sadly his death was not really a deal to many a people . he had more talent in one year than prince did in a lifetime and you see who everyone made a fuss about

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