Stormy Monday
Chuck Brown Lyrics


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They call it stormy Monday, but Tuesday's just as bad
They call it stormy Monday, but Tuesday's just as bad
Wednesday's worse, and Thursday's also sad

Yes the eagle flies on Friday, and Saturday I go out to play
Eagle flies on Friday, and Saturday I go out to play
Sunday I go to church, then I kneel down and pray
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy on me




Lord have mercy, my heart's in misery
Crazy about my baby, yes, send her home to me

Overall Meaning

Chuck Brown's song "Stormy Monday" paints the picture of a life that seems to be unraveling fast, like a storm that just won't end. The lyrics present a stark contrast between the days of the week that were once mundane but now all seem to bring misery. The stormy Monday reference is just the beginning of it all, and as the week progresses, things only seem to get worse. Even the supposedly uplifting Friday and Saturday now come with their problems, as the singer seems to find meaning only in prayer and a deep yearning for a loved one.


Furthermore, the song's opening line, "They call it stormy Monday but Tuesday's just as bad," is a reference to T-Bone Walker's song, "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)." Chuck Brown's interpretation of the song strives to capture the complexities of life's hardships, as it sheds light on how everyday struggles can build up and create a never-ending storm.


Despite it being a blues classic, "Stormy Monday" had a massive impact on the soul and R&B genre, contributing to the birth of the Washington, D.C. local sound, the "Go-Go sound," in the 1970s. Its influence on the music world is still felt today, and as such, the song has become one of the most-covered songs in blues history.


Line by Line Meaning

They call it stormy Monday, but Tuesday's just as bad
Monday may be bad, but Tuesday is equally bad


Wednesday's worse, and Thursday's also sad
Wednesday is worse than Tuesday, and Thursday is equally sad


Eagle flies on Friday, and Saturday I go out to play
I work hard throughout the week, but on Friday, I am free like an eagle and on Saturday, I indulge in pleasure


Sunday I go to church, then I kneel down and pray
On Sunday, I attend church and spend time praying to the Lord


Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy on me
I am asking God to have mercy on me


Lord have mercy, my heart's in misery
I am in emotional turmoil, and I am seeking mercy from God


Crazy about my baby, yes, send her home to me
I am deeply in love with my partner and want them to return to me




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Aaron T-Bone Walker

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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