Good Morning Blues
Count Basie & His Orchestra Lyrics

The lyrics to Count Basie's song Goin' to Chicago Blues suggests a bittersweet farewell between two lovers. The persona, who is the one singing, is going to Chicago but unfortunately cannot take his female companion with him. The reason for this is that there's nothing for a lazy woman, a mucky woman, to do in Chicago - perhaps it's because it's a place where hard work and perseverance pays off. The persona seems to have recognized that his female companion is not suitable for such an environment which necessitates hard work and dedication.

The second verse further depicts a feeling of separation and sadness. The persona asks the woman to raise her window high when she sees him coming. This can be interpreted as a request to keep a distance and not get involved romantically again. The request is particularly poignant because when the persona passes by her window, he wants her to hang her head and cry, indicating that their love story is coming to an end. The last verse is particularly biting. The persona describes the woman as mean, evil, and someone who does things she ought not to do. He also accuses her of stealing his "brand of honey," which has come to symbolize the persona's affection. In the end, the persona cannot put up with her anymore, no matter how sweet his "honey" is.