Proof that Indonesian musicians do have the ability to please the foreign ear and soul. Says who, blues is for old people...It's your heart that matters. Happy bluesday!
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Turn It On
Gugun Power Trio Lyrics
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I went down to the crossroads
I feel so funny, 'cause my tune drive to slow
Look over yonder people
Turn it on . . . turn it on . . . turn it on . . .
My fingers over time baby
My friend his too heavy
His so lucky with his fat beef cake
There's a lady in the corner
Waitin' for his autograph . . . autograph . . .
Look over yonder people
Turn it on . . . turn it on . . . turn it on . . .
My soul was empty
To play another same old song
One day with my six strings
I went down to the crossroads
I feel so funny, 'cause my tune drive to slow
Look over yonder people
Turn it on . . . turn it on . . . turn it on . . .
My soul was empty
To play another same old song . . .
The lyrics to Gugun Power Trio's song "Turn It On" seem to describe a musician's frustrations with their creative output. The first verse describes the musician going to the crossroads with their six strings, perhaps in reference to the famous legend of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil at the crossroads to become a masterful blues musician. However, in contrast to Johnson's success, the singer of the song feels "funny" and as though their "tune [is driving] too slow." This could be interpreted as a feeling of stagnation in their music career and a desire for something new.
The second verse continues to convey a sense of dissatisfaction with the status quo. The singer's fingers are tired of playing the same old song and their friend is described as being lucky with his "fat beef cake" - perhaps a reference to commercial success in music, which the singer desires but feels they cannot achieve without sacrificing their artistic integrity. However, they also observe a lady in the corner waiting for an autograph, hinting at the allure of fame and the pressure to please fans.
The chorus urges the listener to "turn it on," which could be interpreted as a call to action - to take risks, try something new, and break out of old patterns. The final verse repeats the idea that the musician's "soul was empty" and that they needed something different than the "same old song." Overall, the lyrics of "Turn It On" express a frustration with the limitations of the music industry and a desire for creative freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
One day with my six strings
I took my guitar to a place where choices are made
I went down to the crossroads
I went to the point of no return, the place where a choice must be made
I feel so funny, 'cause my tune drive to slow
I was feeling down because the music I was making wasn't picking up pace
Look over yonder people
Hey everybody, check this out
Turn it on . . . turn it on . . . turn it on . . .
Get excited, let's pump up the volume and get this party started
My fingers over time baby
My fingers have been playing this guitar for a long time
To play another same old song
But I always end up playing the same old tunes
My friend his too heavy
My friend's playing style is too intense
His so lucky with his fat beef cake
He's fortunate to be skilled at playing heavy riffs
There's a lady in the corner
There's a woman in the audience
Waitin' for his autograph . . . autograph . . .
She's hoping to get his signature
My soul was empty
I was feeling unfulfilled
To play another same old song
Because I keep playing the same old tunes
One day with my six strings
Once again, I took my guitar to a place where choices are made
I went down to the crossroads
Once again, I reached a point of no return
I feel so funny, 'cause my tune drive to slow
And once again, I was feeling down because my music wasn't picking up pace
Look over yonder people
But despite all that, I still want everyone to check this out
Turn it on . . . turn it on . . . turn it on . . .
Because we can still turn up the volume and start a party
My soul was empty
My feelings of unfulfillment continue
To play another same old song . . .
Because I can't seem to break out of my musical rut
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.