Born Earl Zebedee Hooker in Quitman County, Mississippi, his impoverished family moved to Chicago, Illinois when he was still an infant. Influenced by parents and relatives who played music, he was a cousin of John Lee Hooker and began playing guitar as a teenager. An instrumentalist, within a few years Hooker put together a band that toured the United States and made some of his first recordings for Sam Phillips at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. He eventually became an important part of the Chicago blues scene. Hooker played in the American Folk Blues Festival in England in 1969. Although he never received the public recognition to the same extent as some of his contemporaries, Jimi Hendrix proclaimed Earl Hooker as the "master of the wah-wah" and his talent was greatly respected by other notable musicians such as B.B. King, Ike Turner, Junior Wells, and Buddy Guy. Hooker played slide guitar on the 1962 Muddy Waters recording, "You Shook Me." He was the only slide player on a Muddy Waters recording besides Muddy himself. Hooker also helped popularized the double-neck guitar.
Earl Hooker died at the age of 40 after a lifelong struggle against tuberculosis, which is alluded to in the title of a 1972 compilation album of his work, "There's a Fungus Among Us." He was interred in the Restvale Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. His story was told in a 2001 book by author Sebastian Danchin titled Earl Hooker, Blues Master.
Rocking With The Kid
Earl Hooker Lyrics
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The people they say they're gonna put the kid down
Oh no
Oh look at what you did
You can call it what you want to
I call it messin' with the kid
You know the kid's no child and I don't play
I says what I mean and I mean what I say
Oh look at what you did
You can call it what you want to
I call it messin' with the kid
You know the kid's no child and I don't play
I says what I mean and I mean what I say
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Oh look at what you did
You can call it what you want to
I call it messin' with the kid
We're gonna take the kid's car and drive around town
Tell everybody you're not puttin' him down
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah
Oh look at what you did
You can call it what you want to
I call it messin' with the... yeah
One more now
In the song "Rocking With The Kid" by Earl Hooker, the lyrics convey a sense of defiance and strength in the face of negative rumors and intentions towards “the kid”. The opening lines suggest that there are rumors circulating around town about harming or putting down the kid. The repeat of “Oh look at what you did” emphasizes a sense of disbelief or frustration at these actions or intentions directed at the kid. The phrase “messin' with the kid” is repeated throughout the song, highlighting the central theme of someone underestimating or misjudging the kid.
The lyrics emphasize that despite the kid not being a literal child, they do not play games and are serious about their words and actions. The repetition of “I says what I mean and I mean what I say” underscores the kid’s authenticity and determination to stand up for themselves. The exclamations of “Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah” add a lively and spirited tone to the song, suggesting a sense of energy and resilience in the face of adversity.
As the song progresses, there is a declaration to take the kid’s car and drive around town, asserting their presence and proving that they will not be put down by the negative talk. The repetition of “Oh look at what you did” serves as a defiant response to those who seek to harm or undermine the kid. The song culminates with a final assertion that the actions taken against the kid are equivalent to “messin' with the...”, leaving the listener to fill in the blank with their own interpretation.
Overall, “Rocking With The Kid” conveys a message of standing strong in the face of adversity and not allowing oneself to be underestimated or mistreated. The lyrics celebrate the resilience and assertiveness of the kid, who refuses to be pushed around or taken advantage of. The repetitive nature of the lyrics and the energetic delivery by Earl Hooker create a sense of defiance and empowerment, making it a timeless anthem of self-assurance and standing up for oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
What's this a-here goin all around town
What is the gossip spreading throughout town
The people they say they're gonna put the kid down
The rumors suggest that they plan to criticize the young man
Oh no
Expressing disbelief or concern
Oh look at what you did
Critiquing the negative actions taken
You can call it what you want to
You may have your own interpretation
I call it messin' with the kid
I see it as bullying or bothering the young man
You know the kid's no child and I don't play
Acknowledging the young man is mature and not to be trifled with
I says what I mean and I mean what I say
Asserting honesty and directness in communication
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Expressing agreement or confirmation
We're gonna take the kid's car and drive around town
Planning to borrow the young man's vehicle and explore the city
Tell everybody you're not puttin' him down
Informing others that there is no intention to insult or belittle him
You can call it what you want to
Again, emphasizing individual perspectives
I call it messin' with the... yeah
I see it as messing with him in a negative way
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MEL LONDON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind