Buddy Guy (born George Guy, July 30, 1936 in Lettsworth, Louisiana) is an A… Read Full Bio ↴Buddy Guy (born George Guy, July 30, 1936 in Lettsworth, Louisiana) is an American blues music and rock music guitarist, as well as a singer. Known as an inspiration to Jimi Hendrix and other 1960s blues and rock legends, Guy is considered as an important proponent of Chicago blues made famous by Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. He has influenced both widely known and local blues guitarists.

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.

Shame Shame Shame
Buddy Guy Lyrics

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Well I tried to tell you baby
But it didn't make no sense
Now you've got me baby
Up against the fence
Ain't that a shame shame shame
Shame on you
Ah it's a shame shame shame
Shame the way you do

Well now you've been gone in the evening
Don't even say you've gone
Six o'clock in the morning
You come walkin' home
Ain't that a shame shame shame
Shame on you
Ah it's a shame shame shame
Shame the way you do

Well I've been sittin' here waitin'
For you to come home
When I wake up baby
I'm sittin' there all alone
Ain't that a shame shame shame
Shame on you

Ah it's a shame shame shame
Shame the way you do

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Buddy Guy's "Shame Shame Shame" tell the story of a relationship that has lost its way, with the singer lamenting the actions of his partner. He tries to communicate with her, but nothing seems to work, and he finds himself with his back against the wall. The repetition of the phrase "shame shame shame" serves as a judgment on her behavior, highlighting the way she treats him and the impact that it has on their relationship.

The lyrics are straightforward and raw, expressing the singer's frustration and heartache. The use of repetition in the chorus emphasizes the shame that the singer feels, and invites the listener to share in his sense of disappointment. Despite the bitterness of the lyrics, there is also a sense of vulnerability and tenderness in the way that they are delivered, with Buddy Guy's heartfelt vocals conveying the depth of emotion behind the words.

Overall, "Shame Shame Shame" is a powerful blues song that speaks to the struggles of relationships, and the pain that can come when two people fail to communicate effectively. It is a testament to Buddy Guy's skill as a singer and songwriter, and a classic example of the power of the blues to capture the human experience.

Line by Line Meaning

Well I tried to tell you baby
I attempted to communicate with you, my significant other

But it didn't make no sense
Unfortunately, my message was not understood

Now you've got me baby
Currently, you have placed me in a difficult situation, my darling

Up against the fence
You have metaphorically cornered me, causing distress

Ain't that a shame shame shame
This is undoubtedly an unfortunate and regrettable situation

Shame on you
Your actions are highly inappropriate and disrespectful

Ah it's a shame shame shame
This is highly regrettable and disappointing

Shame the way you do
Your behavior is highly inappropriate and unacceptable

Well now you've been gone in the evening
You have been absent during the latter part of the day

Don't even say you've gone
You haven't even bothered to inform me of your location

Six o'clock in the morning
At the very early hour of 6 am