Mean Old World
Derek and the Dominos Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

This is a mean old world, try and live it by yourself.
This is a mean old world, try and live it by yourself.
Can't get the one you love, have to use somebody else.
I've got the blues, gonna pack my things and go.
I've got the blues, gonna pack my things and go.
Guess you don't love me, babe, loving mister so-and-so.
Sometimes I wonder why can your love be so cold?
Sometimes I wonder why can your love be so cold?
I guess you don't love me, gonna pack my things and go.





Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Derek and the Dominos's song Mean Old World depict the harsh realities of life in a solitary manner. The singer starts with acknowledging that the world is a mean and cruel place and surviving it alone is a daunting task. He continues to lament that despite his efforts, he can't have his desired love and has to make do with someone else. The chorus of the song highlights his despondence and decision to leave since his love interest doesn't reciprocate his feelings and instead chooses to be with another man.


The second verse intensifies his feelings of despair and confusion as he wonders why his love interest's feelings are so cold towards him. He cannot understand why he is not loved back, and it seems like his love goes to waste. Ultimately, he decides that he cannot continue living like this and packs his bags to leave.


Overall, the lyrics of the song are an honest and poignant representation of a person's struggles in a difficult world, where one's love life can be unpredictable and full of heartaches.


Line by Line Meaning

This is a mean old world, try and live it by yourself.
The world is a cruel and harsh place, and it can be difficult to survive on your own.


Can't get the one you love, have to use somebody else.
When you can't be with the person you truly love, you may resort to being with someone else as a substitute.


I've got the blues, gonna pack my things and go.
Feeling sad and down, the singer has decided it's best to leave and put some distance between themself and someone who doesn't love them back.


Guess you don't love me, babe, loving mister so-and-so.
The artist believes that the person they love doesn't feel the same way, and is instead with someone else.


Sometimes I wonder why can your love be so cold?
The artist is confused and hurt by their loved one's lack of warmth and affection towards them.


I guess you don't love me, gonna pack my things and go.
Once again, the singer realizes that their love is unrequited and decides it's best to leave and move on with their life.




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aaron T-Bone Walker

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found