Ross played various forms of the blues that have seen him compared to John Lee Hooker and Sonny Boy Williamson I, and is perhaps best known for the recordings he made for Sun Records in the 1950s, notably "The Boogie Disease" and "Chicago Breakdown". Ross won a Grammy for his 1981 LP Rare Blues, and subsequently enjoyed a resurgence and much critical acclaim towards the end of his career.
In 1951 he began to be heard on Mississippi and Arkansas radio stations, now nicknamed Doctor because of his habit of carrying his harmonicas in a black bag that resembled a doctor's bag, and over the next three years recorded in Memphis, Tennessee for both Chess Records and Sun Records, creating exhilarating harmonica or guitar boogies made disctinctive by his sidemen playing washboard (with a spoon and fork) and broom.
In 1954 he took a job with General Motors in Flint, Michigan, and played less. Some singles, among them his first true one-man band effort, "Industrial Boogie", filtered into blues circles, leading to a Testament Records album and a 1965 AFBF booking. While in London he recorded what would be the first LP on Blue Horizon Records. Europe loved Ross and gave him work and recording opportunities; he was never as popular at home, and in the 1980s his performing profile was barely visible.
He died in 1993, at the age of 67, and was buried in Flint, Michigan.
From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Ross
Good Moanin' Blues
Dr. Isaiah Ross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never got me anywhere just pissed my time away
Waited for a better life that never came along
Finally had enough and said it's time for moving on
Things got bad and things got worse
But soon we worked it out
And now we can't remember what the fuss was all about
Now and then I think about how many ways I've tried
Jesus was the oldest boy in his family
Picked up with his brother James and left from Galilee
A black man murdered by the state to make him go away
"Why have You forsaken me?" was all that he could say.
Things got bad and Things Got Worse
But soon we worked it out
And now we can't remember what the fuss was all about
Now and then I think about how many ways I've tried
That's when I put on my boots and kick my cross aside.
I don't know how many times it takes to get it right
But every day I move a little closer to the light
Now and then I think about how many ways I've tried
That's when I put on my boots and kick my cross aside.
I know I'm a sinner and
I say that without pride
That's why I put on these boots
And kick my cross aside.
Now and then I think about
How many ways I love tried
That's when I put on my boots
And kick my cross aside.
The lyrics of Dr. Isaiah Ross's song "Good Moanin' Blues" convey a sense of personal struggle and reflection, drawing parallels between the singer's own experiences and the story of Jesus Christ. Throughout the song, the singer reflects on their past as a lonely individual who worked hard without seeing any significant progress. This frustration led them to realize that they needed to move on and make changes in their life.
The lyrics also make reference to Jesus as the oldest boy in his family, who left his hometown of Galilee with his brother James. The mention of Jesus being murdered by the state suggests the unjust persecution and sacrifice he endured. The line "Why have You forsaken me?" alludes to the moment of desperation and questioning Jesus felt on the cross.
In both the personal narrative and the story of Jesus, the lyrics highlight that despite facing difficult circumstances, things eventually got better. The singer acknowledges that they have worked through their own challenges and conflicts, and they cannot even remember what initially caused the fuss. This suggests a realization that dwelling on past troubles is unproductive, and it is better to move forward.
The repeated phrase "That's when I put on my boots and kick my cross aside" represents the singer's determination to let go of their burdens and obstacles. It signifies a refusal to be weighed down by past mistakes or hardships, instead choosing to step into a new direction. The act of kicking the cross aside suggests asserting their own agency and finding personal freedom.
The lyrics also express a recognition of one's own flaws and sins. The singer acknowledges being a sinner without pride, and this understanding serves as motivation to continue striving for personal growth and enlightenment. It implies that putting on their boots and kicking the cross aside is not an act of disrespect or renunciation of faith, but rather a gesture of humility and a commitment to recognizing their shortcomings.
Overall, "Good Moanin' Blues" is a song that speaks to the universal human experience of struggle, resilience, and personal growth. It prompts reflection on how we handle difficult situations, the importance of letting go of past burdens, and the ongoing journey towards self-improvement.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I was a lonely boy worked hard every day
There was a time in my life when I felt isolated and downtrodden, putting in effort day after day.
Never got me anywhere just pissed my time away
Despite my hard work, I felt like I was wasting my time and not achieving anything.
Waited for a better life that never came along
I hoped for an improved life, but it never materialized as I had anticipated.
Finally had enough and said it's time for moving on
After reaching my breaking point, I decided it was time to leave behind my previous circumstances.
Things got bad and things got worse
There were moments when situations deteriorated and became increasingly challenging.
But soon we worked it out
Nevertheless, we eventually resolved the issues.
And now we can't remember what the fuss was all about
Now, we can't even recall the reasons behind our previous conflicts and disagreements.
Now and then I think about how many ways I've tried
Occasionally, I reflect on the numerous approaches I've taken.
That's when I put on my boots and kick my cross aside.
During those moments of reflection, I gather strength and determination to cast aside any burdens or obstacles holding me back.
Jesus was the oldest boy in his family
Jesus, being the eldest son in his family, held a significant role.
Picked up with his brother James and left from Galilee
He, along with his brother James, departed from Galilee.
A black man murdered by the state to make him go away
Jesus, a person of color, was unjustly killed by the authorities in an attempt to silence him.
"Why have You forsaken me?" was all that he could say.
In his darkest moments, Jesus cried out, feeling abandoned and betrayed.
I don't know how many times it takes to get it right
I am unsure of the exact number of attempts required to achieve success or enlightenment.
But every day I move a little closer to the light
Nonetheless, each day brings me closer to understanding, growth, and enlightenment.
I know I'm a sinner and I say that without pride
I am aware of my flaws and acknowledge them humbly, without any sense of arrogance.
That's why I put on these boots and kick my cross aside.
Hence, I wear these boots metaphorically to cast away the burdens and struggles associated with my past.
Now and then I think about how many ways I've tried
Periodically, I reflect on the various methods I have attempted.
That's when I put on my boots and kick my cross aside.
During those reflective moments, I gather strength and determination to let go of any hindrances or challenges.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Michael Sirles
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind