I Asked For Water
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics


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Oh, I asked her for water, oh, she brought me gasoline
Oh, I asked her for water, oh, she brought me gasoline
That's the troublingest woman
That I ever seen

Oh, the church bell tollin', oh, the hearse come driving slow
Oh, the church bell tollin', oh, the hearse come driving slow
I hope my baby
Don't leave me no more

Oh, tell me baby, oh, when are you coming back home?
Oh, tell me baby, oh, when are you coming back home?




You know I love you, baby
But you've been gone too long

Overall Meaning

The song "I Asked for Water" by Howlin' Wolf is a classic blues tune that talks about a troubled relationship that the singer has been in. The opening lines of the song speak volumes about the situation the singer finds himself in. He has asked his partner for water, but instead, she brings him gasoline. This line can be seen as a metaphor for the situation as a whole, with the singer asking for something pure and essential, like water, but getting something dangerous and flammable instead. The fact that the woman has brought him gasoline instead of water shows that there is a significant problem in this relationship.


The chorus of the song speaks about the troubles that the singer is facing due to this woman. He explains that she is the "troublingest woman" that he has ever seen, indicating that she is causing him a lot of stress and pain. The second verse speaks about the sadness that the singer feels, with the church bell tolling and the hearse driving slowly. This verse is a sign that the singer is losing hope and fears that his relationship is coming to an end. He hopes that his partner will not leave him, but the tone of the verse suggests that he is not very optimistic about his future.


The last verse of the song is a plea to his partner to come back home. He tells her that he loves her, but she has been gone too long. The entire song is a showcase of the singer's pain, heartache, and frustration. He is asking for help and a way out of this situation. The song conveys a deep sense of emotion and shows the power of blues music when it comes to expressing such feelings.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, I asked her for water, oh, she brought me gasoline
I requested for water, however, what she gave me was gasoline.


That's the troublingest woman That I ever seen
That woman is the most problematic person I have ever encountered.


Oh, the church bell tollin', oh, the hearse come driving slow
I hear the sound of the church bell and notice a hearse driving slowly.


I hope my baby Don't leave me no more
I have a desire that my exclusive partner never leaves me again.


Oh, tell me baby, oh, when are you coming back home?
Could you inform me, darling, when you are planning on returning home?


You know I love you, baby But you've been gone too long
I have strong affection towards you, but it has been too long since you departed.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Chester Burnett

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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