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.
No Lie
Buddy Guy Lyrics
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But deep from the bottom of my heart, baby, I know, you're hurting me
But just as sure, sure as you are born to die
But, baby, I love you, and you know, that's no lie
I'd rather fight a bear, baby, jump down in a lions den
Than to hear you keep on telling me baby that this is the end
But just as sure, baby, sure as you are born to die
(Alright! Have mercy baby! Yes, yes, yes)
Yes, just look how you're doing me, baby, since1 you got up on your feet
You're going away to leave me, baby, I got this ...2 without no meat
But just as sure, sure as you are born to die
But, baby, I love you, and you know, that's no lie
Oh yeah, baby
Somebody got to help me
In the song No Lie by Buddy Guy, the lyrics are a confession of love and devotion to a partner who may be growing tired of the relationship. The singer acknowledges the pain his partner is feeling and expresses his own struggles with the relationship. He compares the difficulties of the relationship to fighting a bear or jumping into a lion's den, showing the depth of his commitment. Despite the challenges, the singer affirms his love for his partner, saying that it's no lie. The song also includes a plea for help, suggesting that the singer is struggling to keep the relationship alive and needs support.
The lyrics of No Lie convey a sense of pain and desperation as the singer tries to hold onto a relationship that may be slipping away. Through vivid imagery, Buddy Guy captures the intensity of his emotions, portraying himself as a fighter who is willing to take on any challenge to prove his loyalty. The upbeat tempo of the song contrasts with the melancholic lyrics, adding to the overall sense of tension and uncertainty. The repetition of the phrase "that's no lie" in each refrain emphasizes the singer's sincerity and commitment to his partner, despite the difficulties they face.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you're getting sick and tired of me baby, this that I can plainly see
I am aware that my behavior has been causing irritation and frustration for you, my love. It's evident to me that you've had it.
But deep from the bottom of my heart, baby, I know, you're hurting me
I have a strong understanding that you are causing me pain and suffering, despite the love I have for you.
But just as sure, sure as you are born to die
As certain as the inevitability of death, the following statement is also true.
But, baby, I love you, and you know, that's no lie
My love for you is genuine and sincere, and I am not lying when I tell you this.
I'd rather fight a bear, baby, jump down in a lions den
I would much rather endure an incredibly dangerous and risky situation than hear you repeatedly tell me that our relationship is over.
Than to hear you keep on telling me baby that this is the end
Prolonged exposure to the news of our inevitable break-up is a fate worse than death in my opinion.
But just as sure, baby, sure as you are born to die
As sure as our unavoidable end, it is also true that I deeply love and care for you.
But, baby, I love you, and you know, that's no lie
I want to reiterate once again that my love for you is an absolute truth, and there is no deceit involved in my feelings.
Yes, just look how you're doing me, baby, since1 you got up on your feet
Ever since you gained independence, you have been treating me poorly, and the damage to our relationship is clear to see.
You're going away to leave me, baby, I got this ...2 without no meat
You have indicated that you will be ending our relationship and leaving me empty-handed, without the emotional or material support that I need and desire.
Somebody got to help me
I need assistance in coping with this heartbreak and pain because it is too much for me to handle alone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: WILLIAM EMERSON, GEORGE BUDDY GUY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind