Guy is known for his showmanship; for example, he plays with drumsticks and walks into the audience whilst playing, the latter being a gimmick he picked up from a local blues guitarist at an early age (joining or leaping into the audience has also long been common in both American popular and gospel music, as in the earlier work of Big Jay McNeely or the Dixie Hummingbirds).
Guy grew up in Louisiana where he learned to play guitar. In the early 1950s he began performing with bands in Baton Rouge. Soon after moving to Chicago in 1957, Guy fell under the influence of "Mighty" Muddy Waters. In 1958 he won a record contract with Artistic Records after beating the West Side guitarists Magic Sam and Otis Rush in a "Head Cutting Contest" at the Blue Flame Club. Soon afterwards he recorded for the Cobra label.
In the early 1960s, Guy was a session guitarist for Chess Records. He recorded on Junior Wells sessions for Delmark Records under the pseudonym Friendly Chap in 1965 and 1966. His career took off during a blues revival period in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was sparked by Eric Clapton's request that Guy be part of the '24 nights' all-star blues guitar lineup at London's Royal Albert Hall and Guy's subsequent signing with Silvertone Records.
All That Makes Me Happy Is the Blues
Buddy Guy Lyrics
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i've tried to take comfort
in some old sad song
cause i feel a little better
no one someone hurts the way i do
yeah! when i'm this far down
all that makes me happy is the blues
they shout about something
nobody listen
nobody say nothing
seem like my old guitar
is the only face i find the truth (yeah)
this all world is going crazy,
all that makes me happy is the blues
i'd love to hear that sweet Memphi's song
and that good old funky rock n roll
oh when i need some healing
the only thing i turn to
all that makes me happy is the BLUES
In "All That Makes Me Happy Is the Blues," Buddy Guy expresses his despair after a painful breakup. He has been feeling terrible since his lover left and he is struggling to find comfort. He tries to distract himself with sad songs but ultimately, he finds solace in the blues. When he is this low, nothing else makes him feel better. Buddy Guy also comments on the state of the world, where people shout about something but nobody listens or says anything useful. He feels like his guitar is the only thing that speaks the truth, and it is through the blues that he finds refuge.
The lyrics of this song capture the raw emotions that come with heartbreak and how music can be a healing balm in times of need. Buddy Guy's soulful voice delivers a powerful message, reminding us that the blues can be both a reflection of our pain and a sanctuary where we can find peace.
Line by Line Meaning
i've been . so bad, since she's been gone
I have been feeling extremely low since my loved one left me.
i've tried to take comfort
in some old sad song
I attempted to find solace in listening to melancholic songs.
cause i feel a little better
no one someone hurts the way i do
Listening to sad songs makes me feel slightly better because no one else feels the exact same way that I do.
yeah! when i'm this far down
all that makes me happy is the blues
Whenever I am feeling extremely low, the only thing that brings me happiness is listening to blues music.
all they talk on TV
they shout about something
nobody listen
nobody say nothing
Television is filled with people shouting about various issues, but no one is really listening, and no one takes any action.
seem like my old guitar
is the only face i find the truth (yeah)
To me, my old guitar is the only thing that reveals the truth.
this all world is going crazy,
all that makes me happy is the blues
The world seems to be spiraling out of control, but the only thing that provides me comfort is listening to blues music.
i'd love to hear that sweet Memphi's song
and that good old funky rock n roll
I would be delighted to listen to sweet Memphis music and funky rock and roll.
oh when i need some healing
the only thing i turn to
all that makes me happy is the BLUES
Whenever I need emotional healing, the only thing I can rely on to provide me relief is listening to blues music.
Contributed by Dylan D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.