Goin' Down Slow
Bobby Lyrics
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I've had my fun, people, if I don't get well no more
My heath is fallin' on me
Yes, and I'm going down slow
I want you to write my mother and tell her the shape I'm in
Oh please write my mother, tell her the shape I'm in
I want you tell her to pray for me, people
On that next train south, mother
You can look for my clothes on
On that next train south, mother
You can look for my clothes on
Yes, I had my fun, mother, this is all in prayers
Yes, I had my fun, people, mother, this is all in prayers
Yes, if you don't see this old body, mother
You know I'm gone out of this world somewhere
The song "Goin' Down Slow" by Bobby Bland is a blues song that talks about the inevitability of death, and the acceptance of it. The artist is expressing that he has had his fun in his life, and if he does not get well, he will accept his fate, as his life is slowly slipping away. The use of the words "people" and "mother" in the lyrics might signify that the artist is addressing a larger audience or perhaps acquaintances, and also his mother who might be his only hope of redemption at this point. He wants his mother to know the state he is in, and for her to pray for him and forgive him of his sins.
The artist anticipates the end; he believes he will not recover and is prepared to meet his fate. The lines "On that next train south, mother / You can look for my clothes on" suggest that he has surrendered to his fate and death is certain. The artist uses a calm and contemplative tone, and his acceptance of his fate is showcased in the final lines of the song: "Yes, I had my fun, mother, this is all in prayers / Yes, if you don’t see this old body, mother / You know I’m gone out of this world somewhere."
Line by Line Meaning
I've had my fun if I don't get well no more
I have enjoyed my life so far, but I fear I won't recover from my illness
My heath is fallin' on me
Yes, and I'm going down slow
My health is deteriorating slowly and it's taking me down
I want you to write my mother and tell her the shape I'm in
Oh please write my mother, tell her the shape I'm in
I want you tell her to pray for me, people
Well, to forgive for my sins
Kindly inform my mother about my current state of health and ask her to pray for me and my sins
On that next train south, mother
You can look for my clothes on
When I pass away, you can find my belongings on the next train going south
Yes, I had my fun, mother, this is all in prayers
Yes, I had my fun, people, mother, this is all in prayers
Yes, if you don't see this old body, mother
You know I'm gone out of this world somewhere
I had a good time in my life, but now I am ready to depart from this world, and I hope to enter a new one
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHNNY WINTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Grant
This is the heart of the blues, if you are listening to this then you have good taste in music.
Duane Potter
Very True! you have Great taste as well.
Sam DIRSAME
Best version of this song is done by Bobby honestly one of the greatest singer
Michael Lyons
Amen to that. Nobody, absolutely nobody, had that smooth voice.
Robert Szymczak
One of my favorite Blues/RB performers whose musical legacy is legendary....Rest in Peace, Bobby. Thanks to your talent, you left us with great songs about life that touch our hearts and will remain with us.
KingPutt
My Grandfather Use To Sing This Song To Me, when I Was Like 12 Years Old, And He Was Still Singing this Song To Me, Before He Pass Away.(R.I.P, Mr.Marshall Jr.King. So All The Song I Remember Him Singing To Me, I Listen To Them Right Today!!!!!
TheManTheMythTheLegend
Classic. I've started listening to the blues everyday a couple of years ago. My wife's family lives in the country and got me on it. Ain't nothing like the blues, whiskey and beer, and sitting in the yard with that fresh country air
Nafeassiya Tate
I'm listening to it now
Anthony Mead
A gifted singer - love the way he builds that snarl into his numbers. Only Bobby Bland could get away with it. The best blues singer.....ever!
Barbara
+Anthony Mead I agree.