How Many More Years
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics


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How many more years?
Have I got to let you dog me around
How many more years?
Does I got to let you dog me around
I'd soon rather be dead
Sleeping six feet in the ground

I'm gonna fall on my knees
I'm gonna raise up my right hand
I'm gonna fall on my knees
I'm gonna raise up my right hand
Said, I'd feel much better, darlin'
If you'd just only understand

I'm goin' upstairs
I'm gonna bring back down my clothes
I'm goin' upstairs
I'm gonna bring back down my clothes, get them all





If anybody ask about me
Just tell 'em I walked out on

Overall Meaning

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The song How Many More Years by Howlin' Wolf is a classic blues song that discusses the turmoil of a troubled relationship. The opening lines, "How many more years? Have I got to let you dog me around?" suggest that the singer is tired of being mistreated and wants out of the relationship. The use of the word "dog" is interesting as it has a double meaning, both referring to being treated badly (like a dog) as well as referencing the animalistic nature of the relationship. The repeated question of "How many more years?" emphasizes the singer's desperation for change and escape from the abuse they have suffered.


The second verse continues this theme, with the singer indicating that death would be preferable to continuing to be treated poorly. However, the next two lines suggest a glimmer of hope as the singer states that they will beg for understanding from their partner. The final verse indicates the singer's intention to leave the relationship, with the singer going to retrieve their clothing and telling anyone who asks to say they have walked out.


Line by Line Meaning

How many more years?
How much longer do I have to suffer under your mistreatment?


Have I got to let you dog me around
Do I really have to continue enduring your oppressive behavior?


How many more years?
How much longer do I have to endure this misery and torment?


Does I got to let you dog me around
Must I allow you to continue controlling and manipulating me?


I'd soon rather be dead Sleeping six feet in the ground
I would rather die and be buried than continue living under your oppression and abuse.


I'm gonna fall on my knees
I will humbly plead for mercy.


I'm gonna raise up my right hand
I will swear an oath or make a solemn promise.


Said, I'd feel much better, darlin' If you'd just only understand
I would find great relief and comfort if you could only empathize with my situation.


I'm goin' upstairs
I am leaving and going away from this situation.


I'm gonna bring back down my clothes, get them all
I am taking all my belongings and leaving for good.


If anybody ask about me Just tell 'em I walked out on
If anyone asks where I went, just tell them I have left and will not be coming back.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Chester Burnett

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@SebasRB

How many more years?
Have I got to let you dog me around
How many more years?
Does I got to let you dog me around
I'd soon rather be dead
Sleeping six feet in the ground
I'm gonna fall on my knees
I'm gonna raise up my right hand
I'm gonna fall on my knees
I'm gonna raise up my right hand
Said, I'd feel much better, darlin'
If you'd just only understand



@brunolanasantos5604

How many more years, have I got to let you dog me around
How many more years, have I got to let you dog me around
I'd soon rather be dead, sleeping six feet in the ground

I'm gonna fall on my knees, I'm gonna raise up my right hand
I'm gonna fall on my knees, I'm gonna raise up my right hand
Say I'd feel much better darling, if you'd just only understand

I'm going upstairs, I'm gonna bring back down my clothes
I'm going upstairs, I'm gonna bring back down my clothes, do them all
If anybody ask about me, just tell'em I walked out on



All comments from YouTube:

@Jonpriley

drum fill at 1:00. Police raid, or someone dropping a wardrobe down the stairs? They don't make music like this any more. Nobody can.

@farmalmta

Just one of several reasons this song is the first actual Rock'n'Roll song:
1) at Memphis Recording Service, later Sun Records
2) Sam Phillips in the booth controlling the board
3) Ike Turner at the piano
4) First instance of the guitar power chord ever recorded
5) Drummer laying into his set so hard it oversaturates the recording circuitry
6) Sam Phillips says, "fnck it, it's staying in!"... because that's what you do with R'n'R.

@Jonpriley

@@farmalmta Can't argue with that. :-)

@user-pu9wb8xo6b

FBI OPEN UP

@Jonpriley

@Scoo Bedoo Correct. You say that like it's a bad thing. :-)

@d820m

The bio on Sam Phillips, written by Peter Guralnick says that it's Billy 'Red' Love on piano not Ike Turner....Love was known to be able to play like Ike, Love also had his song "Juiced" passed off as Jackie Brenston's follow up to Rocket 88

@luvsavengedsevenfold

I really love this song. It's so nice and catchy. Anyone who's a rock fan but thinks they don't like the blues really should give this song a listen! <3

@Lydiahunt188

Agreed!

@houseofcharm

Jimmy page did.

@cheryllynnmc

houseofcharm Yes I can see where the inspiration came from.

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