The I'd Rather Go Blind Songfacts says that Etta James penned this Southern Blues classic during a visit to her friend Ellington "Fugi" Jordan in prison in 1967. For tax reasons James gave her songwriting credit to her partner at the time, Billy Foster, who was a member of the '50s Los Angeles doo-wop group The Medallions. It was a decision that she came to regret as the royalties accumulated over the years.
I'd Rather Go Blind
Etta James Lyrics
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When I saw you and her talking
Something deep down in my soul said, "Cry girl" (cry, cry)
When I saw you and that girl, walking now
Ooh, I would rather, I would rather go blind boy
Than to see you, walk away from me child, no
That I don't want to watch you leave me babe
Most of all, I just don't
I just don't want to be free no, ooh ooh
I was just, I was just, I was just sitting here thinking
Of your kiss and your warm embrace, yeah
When the reflection in the glass
That I held to my lips now baby (yeah, yeah)
Revealed the tears that was on my face, yeah, ooh
And babe, baby (baby, baby, baby) I'd rather
I'd rather be blind boy
Than to see you walk away, see you walk away from me, yeah, ooh
Baby, baby, baby (baby, baby, bay)
I'd rather be blind now
The song "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James is a soulful ballad that expresses the pain and heartbreak of a woman who has been betrayed by her lover. Throughout the song, James uses vivid imagery and powerful vocals to convey her feelings and emotions.
The opening lines of the song, "Something told me it was over when I saw you and her talking," immediately set the tone for the rest of the piece. The singer of the song has clearly sensed that her relationship with her partner is coming to an end, and this knowledge is causing her considerable distress.
However, the most poignant and evocative part of the song comes in the chorus when James sings, "Ooh, I would rather, I would rather go blind boy than to see you, walk away from me child, no." This line is particularly compelling because it shows the depth of feeling the singer has for her partner. Although she knows that he is going to leave her, she cannot bear to watch it happen.
In summary, "I'd Rather Go Blind" is a powerful and emotive song that captures the pain of heartbreak and the desperation of trying to hold onto a love that is slipping away. James' vocals and lyrics create a truly unforgettable listening experience that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Something told me it was over (yeah)
I had a feeling that our relationship was coming to an end when I saw you talking with another woman.
Something deep down in my soul said, "Cry girl" (cry, cry)
My intuition told me to cry when I saw you walking away with that girl.
Ooh, I would rather, I would rather go blind boy
Than to see you, walk away from me child, no
I would rather lose my sight than watch you leave me, my love.
Ooh, so you see, I love you so much
That I don't want to watch you leave me babe
Most of all, I just don't
I just don't want to be free no, ooh ooh
I care about you deeply and cannot bear to see you go. More than anything, I do not want to be without you.
I was just, I was just, I was just sitting here thinking
Of your kiss and your warm embrace, yeah
When the reflection in the glass
That I held to my lips now baby (yeah, yeah)
Revealed the tears that was on my face, yeah, ooh
I was reminiscing about our romantic moments together and holding a glass when I saw my teary reflection, realizing how sad and heartbroken I am.
And babe, baby (baby, baby, baby) I'd rather
I'd rather be blind boy
Than to see you walk away, see you walk away from me, yeah, ooh
Baby, baby, baby (baby, baby, bay)
I'd rather be blind now
My love for you is so strong that I'd rather be unable to see you walk away than to watch it happen. I'd rather be blind than to see you leave me, my baby.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Billy Foster, Ellington Jordan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Erik brodland
on I Just Want to Make Love to You
Love this song so much, it makes me think of my son's Beautiful mommy jasmin and her amazing.voice.