Sally Mae
Buddy Guy / Junior Wells Lyrics
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Lord, you know, you ain't done me right
Sally Mae, Sally Mae
Lord, you know, you ain't done me right
You stay out all night long
Don't do a thing but run around
Lord, you know, I love you
Lord, you know, I love you
That's why you treat me like you do
You stay out all night long
Lord, you don't do a doggone thing
Yes, I dig that woman
Yes, I digged her all night long
Yes, I dig that woman
Yes, I digged her all night long
Lord, you ought to change that Sally Mae
You ought to change in your younger days
You don't know, Sally Mae
Lord, you know, you ain't done me right
Yes, you know little woman
Lord, you know, you ain't done me right
Lord, you gonna doggone thing, baby
But then your report takes him down
The song Sally Mae by Buddy Guy and Junior Wells is a blues-infused lament about an unfaithful lover. The lyrics express the singer's deep love for Sally Mae but also his frustration and disappointment with her behavior. He accuses Sally Mae of staying out all night without him and running around with other people. The singer's tone is one of sadness and resignation, as he acknowledges that even though he loves Sally Mae, she has not treated him right.
The repetition of Sally Mae's name throughout the song underscores the singer's deep emotional connection to her. He acknowledges that he loves her and desires her, but he also recognizes that she is not behaving in a way that is respectful or loving towards him. The lyrics contain a mix of love and anger, portraying the complexity of the singer's emotions towards Sally Mae.
Overall, Sally Mae is a powerful expression of the pain and frustration that can come with loving someone who is not faithful or kind. The song acknowledges the difficult balance of emotions that can arise in such a situation, capturing the heartache and disappointment of unrequited love.
Line by Line Meaning
Sally Mae, Sally Mae
Addressing a woman by her name, the first line of the song sets the tone of the lyrics, which are about Sally Mae.
Lord, you know, you ain't done me right
The singer accuses Sally Mae of mistreating him, and believes that the Lord knows this to be true.
You stay out all night long
The singer is upset that Sally Mae spends her nights away from him.
Don't do a thing but run around
Not only does Sally Mae stay out all night, but the singer believes that she is unproductive during her time away.
Lord, you know, I love you
Despite Sally Mae's betrayals, the singer still professes his love for her.
That's why you treat me like you do
The singer believes that Sally Mae takes advantage of his love to mistreat him.
You stay out all night long
The singer reiterates that Sally Mae's absence is the root of his problem.
Lord, you don't do a doggone thing
The singer feels that Sally Mae's exploits are a waste of time and energy.
Yes, I dig that woman
Despite his complaints, the singer still finds Sally Mae appealing.
Yes, I digged her all night long
The singer affirms that his memory of being with Sally Mae is still fresh in his mind.
Lord, you ought to change that Sally Mae
The singer believes that Sally Mae should reform her ways.
You ought to change in your younger days
The singer believes that if Sally Mae had changed earlier in life, their situation could have been avoided.
You don't know, Sally Mae
The singer implies that Sally Mae is unaware of the gravity of their situation.
Lord, you gonna doggone thing, baby
The singer doubts that Sally Mae will change her ways.
But then your report takes him down
This line is not present in the original song lyrics and is not relevant to the explanation of the song.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JOHN LEE HOOKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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