How Many More Years
Chester Burnett Lyrics
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How many more years, have I got to let you dog me around
I'd soon rather be dead, sleeping six feet in the ground
I'm gonna fall on my knees, I'm gonna raise up my right hand
I'm gonna fall on my knees, I'm gonna raise up my right hand
Say I'd feel much better darling, if you'd just only understand
I'm going upstairs, I'm gonna bring back down my clothes
I'm going upstairs, I'm gonna bring back down my clothes, do them all
This song by Chester Burnett, also known as Howlin' Wolf, expresses his frustration and exhaustion with a person who has been dogging him around for years. The repeated question of "how many more years" emphasizes the length of time he has been dealing with this person's mistreatment. The desperation in his voice and the mention of death shows just how much he wants the situation to end, even if it means he dies.
The subsequent lines reveal that he is willing to plead and beg for this person to understand his situation. He wants to "feel much better" and this person's acceptance or understanding could make all the difference. The decision to bring down all his clothes and leave indicates that he has had enough and is ready to walk away from this person completely.
Overall, this song showcases Howlin' Wolf's powerful vocals and the pain he feels. It is a passionate plea for freedom from a situation that has been dragging on for too long. It is a true blues classic that captures the essence of the genre.
Contributed by Hailey F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@markschuler7124
Perhaps IÂŽm wrong, but it seems to me that later generations have forgotten all about the legacy of African American blues musicians and their phenomenal music. The song writing and the performance talents are astounding. It is a genre that we are losing as a nation and culture. Performers like Wolf, Muddy, Sonny Boy, Hooker, Magic Sam, Jimmy Reed and many others. Every generation develops or chooses its own art forms, I recognize that, but it is a shame that it is done in a way that relegates this music to the forgotten file. Wolf is my favorite of all of them. If you have not listened to "The London Howlin Wolf Session", I would suggest you give it a try.
@xeneizedt2031
El blues no muere amigo.đŠđ·
@khaledkratos1617
Donât you worry tough, I was born 1994 in Morocco/North Africa, and I listen and play even older stuff like (sun house and Robert Johnson), I was introduced by my father to rockânâroll and then to the Blues and Iâm hoocked to this shit ever since lol
@TheExodus30
I've NEVER seen or heard anybody play the harmonica like this man. What I love is when he's playing, he's rocking with it!!!
@Slo-ryde
And Blues is the only type of music that can only be sung in EnglishâŠ.. unlike other forms of music you will be hard pressed to hear Blues sung in a different language!
@TheExodus30
He works that Thang right?
@madisonhands257
"Any time you thinkin' evil you thinkin' 'bout the blues"
Shivers
@TheGrouchDnD
No lies detected
@swampgravy1776
What a pinko, I mean, implying that being poor, hungry, and legally regarded as 3/5's of a human being could possibly make you do "evil" things to survive. Also, might it be true that there's such a wealth of understanding, compassion, and survivor's anger in the raw beauty of Wolf's voice that it scares the crap out of politicians?
@Canibal_Animal
Wolf didn't play harp often, but when he did, he tried to blow the insides out of it. What a talented dude.