Mean Woman Blues
Carl Perkins & Friends Lyrics
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Mean as she can be
I got a woman,
Mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
She's almost mean as me
A black cat up and died of fright
Oh, I got a woman
Mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
She's almost mean as me
She kiss so hard, she bruise my lips
Hurts so good, my heart just flips
Oh, I got a woman
Mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
She's almost mean as me
The strangest gal I ever had
Never happy 'less she's mad
Oh, I got a woman
Mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
She's almost mean as me
She makes love without a smile
Ooh, hot dog that drives me wild
Oh, I got a woman
Mean as she can be
Sometimes I think
She's almost mean as me
Carl Perkins's Mean Woman Blues is a song that speaks about a man's relationship with a woman who he characterizes as mean. The song's premise centres around a woman who is tough and unyielding in her ways, and for the most part, the man seems to be quite aware of this. He admits to having a woman that is mean to him, but in a subtle hint of admiration, he also adds that he thinks she's almost mean as him. This comment could suggest that the man is not entirely put off by the woman's demeanor, and possibly even finds it somewhat endearing.
The second stanza of the song introduces a black cat that dies of fright because the woman crosses its path. This metaphorical reference could be attributed to her power and strength that could even cause animals to be fearful of her. The next few lines in the song speak about how the woman kisses him so hard that she bruises his lips, which causes him both pain and pleasure. The last two stanzas mention that she is never happy unless she is mad, and she makes love without a smile. These lyrics emphasize the idea that this woman is challenging, unpredictable, and fiery, which could be precisely what the man finds so interesting about her.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a woman,
I have a female partner
Mean as she can be
She is very hostile and unpleasant.
I got a woman,
Again, referring to the female partner.
Mean as she can be
Reiterating how incredibly unkind she is.
Sometimes I think
Occasionally it crosses my mind
She's almost mean as me
I can sometimes be similarly cruel.
A black cat up and died of fright
A feline was so scared that it perished.
'Cause she crossed his path last night
Because she coincidentally walked in front of it.
She kiss so hard, she bruise my lips
Her kisses are so intense that my mouth becomes black and blue.
Hurts so good, my heart just flips
It brings a pleasurable sort of pain that makes me feel dizzy.
The strangest gal I ever had
She is the most peculiar woman I've been with.
Never happy 'less she's mad
She is only content when she is angry.
She makes love without a smile
During intimacy, she does not express joy or delight emotively.
Ooh, hot dog that drives me wild
This turns me on in a massive, almost uncontrollable way.
Oh, I got a woman
Once more, referring to the female partner.
Mean as she can be
Still emphasizing just how much of a nasty person she is.
Sometimes I think
Again, referring to occasional thoughts he has.
She's almost mean as me
I can be similarly spiteful and malicious at times.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, IMAGEM MUSIC INC
Written by: CLAUDE DEMETRUIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Disco86
When Carl told Eric to "get down, Eric, " he really got down 😮 . Amazing 👏
@finnmcginn9931
I really wasn't expecting that. Firing on all cylinders
@user-hk5cx2kh1i
The respect these icons had for this vastly underrated rocker is wonderful.
@andynelson8838
This is the best Clapton solo ive ever heard. Hes playing with his hero
@reg5381
agreed,at least not since the derek days.
@jamespollock11
Sounded like Jeff Beck.
@trevgoodwin7900
've seen Eric in stadiums and small halls followed his career listened to his music and do you know what I think your right one of his best solo's.
@jasonpfinch
It's insanely good. And he's just enjoying himself so much.
@simonjamesyoung8091
Definitely was
@impalaman9707
Eric Clapton's humility is always refreshing to hear--"I'm doing the worst"