Poor Boy Blues
Chet Atkins; Mark Knopfler Lyrics
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Do I need you? Baby you know it's true
But I ain't got nothin' that you can use
So I'm sittin' on my own here, with these poor boy blues
One day, baby, you will see
You're gonna give all your love to me
I'm the one, babe, that you're gonna choose
But in the meantime, I got these poor boy blues
Things won't always be the same
Someday soon, everything will change
You'll tell your mama her baby's got good news
But until then, well, I got these poor boy blues
But until then, well, I got these poor boy blues
Chet Atkins & Mark Knopfler's song "Poor Boy Blues" tells the story of a man who is completely in love with a woman who he needs in his life. He is madly in love with her but at the same time, he has nothing to offer her. The lyrics express his feelings of love and the reality of his poor status in life. He longs for a day when he will have something to offer her and she'll give him all her love in return. The musician's use of bluesy rhythms and the slide guitar emphasizes the sense of longing that the lyrics convey.
The repeated phrase, "Do I want you? Yes I do" emphasizes the deep-rooted desire within the singer's heart. The next line, "Do I need you? Baby you know it's true" emphasizes the intensity of his emotions for her. The verse, "But I ain't got nothin' that you can use/So I'm sittin' on my own here, with these poor boy blues" emphasizes the stark realities of his current state of poverty.
The song ends with the hopeful message that things will change, and someday the woman will be with him. But until then, the singer will have to live with his poor boy blues. The deep and relatable lyrics, combined with the slide guitar, make "Poor Boy Blues" a timeless classic with universal appeal.
Line by Line Meaning
Do I want you? Yes I do
I have a strong desire for you
Do I need you? Baby you know it's true
I require you and it's a fact that you know
But I ain't got nothin' that you can use
I don't possess anything that would be of value to you
So I'm sittin' on my own here, with these poor boy blues
Therefore, I am sitting alone, experiencing feelings of loneliness and sadness
One day, baby, you will see
At some point in the future, you will understand
You're gonna give all your love to me
You will offer me all your affection
I'm the one, babe, that you're gonna choose
I'm the person that you will ultimately select
But in the meantime, I got these poor boy blues
However, in the meantime, I am still feeling sad and alone
Pick it son, pick it nice
Play the music well and with finesse
Things won't always be the same
The current situation will not last forever
Someday soon, everything will change
Things will change soon
You'll tell your mama her baby's got good news
You will inform your mother that your situation has improved
But until then, well, I got these poor boy blues
But until then, I am still experiencing feelings of loneliness and sadness
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL KENNERLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bobbylong7197
Two of the best guitar players ever playing together. You can see the respect they have for each others ability. A treasure.
@arnsteinmelgaard5411
2 of the greatest guitar players ever playing a great song
@OrlandoLirbe
Unforgettable ! Beautiful song! The best guitars players.
@DanielWoodenJr.-cm4qd
Absolutely the best guitar duo in history...love it...this is the theme of the way life and values should be😊🤗
@liquidefreet
Timeless is what this music is. 30 years later and it's still the freshest sound a man can have the delight to listen to.
@michaelbrown656
Yes Sir enjoy 👍
@flyerphil
Sure is beautiful and everlasting, with 5M hits to date, that'a mind-blowing
@dinodog
Awesome song with two of the best guitarists ever. Love it
@gaetangoudot9186
Mark is one of the best guitarist players i've ever heard in my life.
A genius!💕
Thank you so much Mark !🎶🎶🎸
@legibby
And while he is one of the greatest rock guitarists ever it must be noted that he worshipped Chet like he was a God