Soul Man
Blues Lyrics


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Comin' to ya on a dusty road
Good lovin' I got a truck load
And when you get it you got something
So don't worry cause I'm coming

I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man

Got what I got the hard way
And I'll make it better each and every day
So honey don't you fret
'Cause you ain't seen nothing yet

I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man
Play it Steve!
I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man

Listen
I was brought up on a side street
I learned how to love before I could eat
I was educated from good stock
When I start lovin' I just can't stop

I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man

Well grab the rope and I'll pull you in
Give you hope and be your only boyfriend
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man
You're a soul man
I'm a soul man




I'm a soul man
I'm a soul man

Overall Meaning

The song 'Soul Man' by the Blues Brothers is a classic soul tune that celebrates the rich heritage of black music and its profound influence on modern American culture. The lyrics speak to the timeless themes of love, hard work, and perseverance, as the singer describes his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a true 'soul man.'


The opening lines depict the singer's arrival on the scene with a truckload of good lovin', promising his audience a transformative experience. He declares himself a 'soul man' with unflagging confidence, proclaiming that he got what he's got the hard way and will continue to improve each day. Despite the obstacles he's faced, the singer remains undaunted and assures his listeners that they ain't seen nothing yet.


The second verse offers a glimpse into the singer's upbringing and education, affirming his roots in the African American community and his deep appreciation for the power of love. He sings about his ability to love before being able to eat, emphasizing the central importance of love in his life. The final line of the verse declares that once he starts loving, he just can't stop, underscoring the urgency and intensity of his passion.


Overall, 'Soul Man' is a powerful tribute to the rich cultural heritage of African American music, celebrating the resilience and creativity of black artists and their enduring impact on American popular culture.


Line by Line Meaning

Comin' to ya on a dusty road
I may not be perfect, but I have made an effort to come to you.


Good lovin' I got a truck load
I have so much love to give, it's like a truckload.


And when you get it you got something
When you receive my love, you have something special.


So don't worry cause I'm coming
Don't feel stressed because I am coming to give you my love.


I'm a soul man
I have a deep appreciation for soul music and soul culture.


Got what I got the hard way
Through hard work and struggle, I have what I have today.


And I'll make it better each and every day
I will not rest on my laurels and will continue to improve myself.


So honey don't you fret
Don't be worried, I have everything under control.


'Cause you ain't seen nothing yet
I have so much more to offer you than what you have already seen.


Play it Steve!
Encouraging Steve to play the music and get the crowd going.


Listen
Pay attention to what I am about to say.


I was brought up on a side street
I was raised in a humble, working-class environment.


I learned how to love before I could eat
Love has always been an important part of my life.


I was educated from good stock
I come from a family with strong values and morals.


When I start lovin' I just can't stop
Once I start loving someone, it is hard for me to stop.


Well grab the rope and I'll pull you in
I will be your support and help you through difficult times.


Give you hope and be your only boyfriend
I will provide you with hope and be your only romantic partner.


Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm.


You're a soul man
Acknowledging that the listener can also embody the spirit of soul music and culture.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Porter, Isaac Hayes

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@lelandthompson2267

He was channeling the South when so many people played the harmonica...

Somewhere someone with enough money,,,

Should start the harmonica school...

The blue brothers School of harmonica!

Belushi would love it.



@peteryewell

- Steve Cropper (Guitar left) wrote this song among many others you would know, he was in the Stax Records house band that backed Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, etc. He also was in Booker T & The MG's (all these bands were intertwined). Look him up, you'll be amazed at his story.
- Matt "Guitar" Murphy (Guitar right) - Howlin Wolf, Memphis Slim.
- Donald "Duck" Dunn (Bass) - Booker T, also Stax, Eric Clapton during 80's (Money & Cigarettes album +).
- Paul Schaeffer - Letterman Tonight Show band leader, many other bands (ie Honeydrippers w/ Robert Plant)
- Alan Rubin, "Blue" Lou Marini, and Tom "Bones" Malone - horns, these guys are jazz background with crazy resumes (Juliard, Zappa, Blood Sweat & Tears, Sinatra, Duke Ellington, etc)
- Steve Jordan (Drums) - also Letterman Band, Keith Richards solo albums, John Mayer

It's really insane and amazing how they assembled this band initially for an SNL skit. I don't know, but have to believe that they at least had hoped to create a real band out of it. This lineup is just ridiculous otherwise. Good wiki page covers it here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blues_Brothers



All comments from YouTube:

@davidt50

Dan Aykroyd's dancing is epic, insane and beyond amazing. 45+ years later it is still over the top enjoyable

@ra15899550

No doubt about it! Insane and off the chain! Still lovin' it in 2024!!

@mistamycall

Dan Akroyd went full crazy on this one ...

@Ms19720713

こんなにイカしてたなんて🎉🎉🎉
ブルースハープも最高ですね❣️❣️❣️😆😆😆

@dc1397

Looks like he was doing football drills.

@fredwerza3478

How much was rehearsed and how much of it was spontaneous?

6 More Replies...

@ericsantana1184

Rest in Peace John Belushi, Cab Calloway, John Candy, Henry Gibson, Carrie Fisher, Donald duck Dunn, Aretha Franklin, and BB King.

@marthijnvandenbroeck8766

and lets not forget John Lee Hooker!

@billfitzmaurice3837

@@marthijnvandenbroeck8766 And Ray Charles.

@marthijnvandenbroeck8766

and James Brown!

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