Mean Woman Blues
Carl Perkins and Eric Clapton 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
The song Mean Woman Blues, written by Claude DeMetrius and covered by both Carl Perkins and Eric Clapton, is a homage to a troublesome and fiery lady. The song's lyrics describe a woman who is difficult and mean, seemingly on par with the singer's own personality. The first verse sets the tone for the song with repetition of the phrase "mean as she can be" and compares the woman's mean nature to that of the singer's own. The second verse takes a more supernatural turn, with the woman scaring a black cat to death.
The third verse paints a picture of a passionate love affair, with the woman kissing so hard that it bruises the singer's lips, but he still loves it ("hurts so good, my heart just flips"). The fourth verse returns to the woman's mean nature, depicting a relationship that is never content unless there is anger and tension. Finally, the last verse brings it back to the bedroom, with the singer expressing his love for the woman's intense physical passion, despite her difficult nature.
Overall, this song is a classic example of the blues genre, with its vividly descriptive lyrics, catchy and repetitive melodies, and themes of love, passion and conflict. It portrays a complex and difficult relationship, but one that the singer seems determined to stick with, despite the hardships.
Line by Line Meaning
I got a woman,
I have a female companion
Mean as she can be
She is incredibly unkind
I got a woman,
I have a female companion
Mean as she can be
She is incredibly unkind
Sometimes I think
At times I believe
She's almost mean as me
She is almost as cruel as I am
A black cat up and died of fright
A domestic feline died of shock
'Cause she crossed his path last night
Because she came in contact with him
Oh, I got a woman
Oh, I have a female companion
Mean as she can be
She is incredibly unkind
Sometimes I think
At times I believe
She's almost mean as me
She is almost as cruel as I am
She kiss so hard, she bruise my lips
She kisses passionately to the point where my lips get injured
Hurts so good, my heart just flips
The physical pain is enjoyable and my heartbeat quickens
Oh, I got a woman
Oh, I have a female companion
Mean as she can be
She is incredibly unkind
Sometimes I think
At times I believe
She's almost mean as me
She is almost as cruel as I am
The strangest gal I ever had
She is the most peculiar woman I have ever been with
Never happy 'less she's mad
She is never content unless she is angry
Oh, I got a woman
Oh, I have a female companion
Mean as she can be
She is incredibly unkind
Sometimes I think
At times I believe
She's almost mean as me
She is almost as cruel as I am
She makes love without a smile
During intimate moments, she does not express happiness
Ooh, hot dog that drives me wild
This excitement excites me
Oh, I got a woman
Oh, I have a female companion
Mean as she can be
She is incredibly unkind
Sometimes I think
At times I believe
She's almost mean as me
She is almost as cruel as I am
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell 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"