Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910 in White Station, Mississippi, Unite… Read Full Bio ↴Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910 in White Station, Mississippi, United States – January 10, 1976 in Hines, Illinois, United States), known as Howlin' Wolf, was an influential American blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player.

With a booming voice and looming physical presence, Burnett is commonly ranked among the leading performers in electric blues; musician and critic Cub Koda declared, "no one could match Howlin' Wolf for the singular ability to rock the house down to the foundation while simultaneously scaring its patrons out of its wits." A number of songs written or popularized by Burnett—such as "Smokestack Lightnin'", "Back Door Man", "Killing Floor" and "Spoonful"—have become blues and blues rock standards.

At 6 feet, 6 inches (198 cm) and close to 300 pounds (136 kg), he was an imposing presence with one of the loudest and most memorable voices of all the "classic" 1950s Chicago blues singers. This rough-edged, slightly fearsome musical style is often contrasted with the less crude but still powerful presentation of his contemporary and professional rival, Muddy Waters. Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller), Little Walter Jacobs, and Muddy Waters are usually regarded in retrospect as the greatest blues artists who recorded for Chess in Chicago. Sam Phillips once remarked, "When I heard Howlin' Wolf, I said, 'This is for me. This is where the soul of man never dies.'" In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #51 on their list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time".

Burnett died at Hines VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois on January 10, 1976 and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, Illinois in a plot in Section 18, on the east side of the road. His large gravestone, allegedly purchased by Eric Clapton, has an image of a guitar and harmonica etched into it.

The Howlin' Wolf Memorial Blues Festival is held each year in West Point, Mississippi. Wolf's Juke Joint Jam is another annual Howlin' Wolf tribute festival held in West Point. Some of the artists who have played 'Wolf Jam' include Wolf's lead guitarist Hubert Sumlin, Muddy Waters' back band of Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones and "Steady Rollin" Bob Margolin, Willie King, Blind Mississippi Morris, Kenny Brown, Burnside Exploration, etc. The festival is held at the 500-acre (2.0 km2) festival grounds known as Waverly Waters Resort.

A popular music venue in New Orleans, Louisiana was named The Howlin' Wolf when it opened in 1988.

Burnett was portrayed by Eamonn Walker in the 2008 motion picture Cadillac Records.

I Didn't Mean To Hurt Your Feelings
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Some folk built like this, some folk built like that
But the way I'm built, a-don't you call me fat
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
But I got everything all the good girls need

Some folk rip and roar, some folk b'lieve in signs
But if you want me, baby, you got to take your time
Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed

But I got everything all the good girls need

I ain't got no diamonds, I ain't got no gold
But I do got love to satisfy your soul

Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
But I got everything, all you good women need

Overall Meaning

In Howlin' Wolf's "I Didn't Mean To Hurt Your Feelings," the lyrics revolve around a concept of self-acceptance and self-love. The opening lines, "Some folk built like this, some folk built like that, but the way I'm built, don't you call me fat," indicate that the singer is aware of societal norms that dictate what is considered an attractive body type, but is unwilling to conform to them. He celebrates his own body type, which is not necessarily built for speed, but has everything that "all the good girls need." It can be seen as a positive message about embracing oneself and recognizing that every person has their own unique strengths and qualities.

The following lines highlight another important aspect of the song, which is the idea of taking one's time. The singer makes it clear that if someone wants to be with him, they need to be patient and not rush things. It is another message about self-worth and the importance of not settling for less than you deserve, as the singer is confident in his own value and expects others to respect it.

Overall, the lyrics of "I Didn't Mean To Hurt Your Feelings" are an affirmation of self-love and acceptance, as well as a reminder to value oneself and not settle for less than what is deserved.

Line by Line Meaning

Some folk built like this, some folk built like that
People come in all shapes and sizes

But the way I'm built, a-don't you call me fat
Don't judge me by my appearance

Because I'm built for comfort, I ain't built for speed
I am not a fast mover, but I am a reliable and comfortable partner

But I got everything all the good girls need
I have all the qualities that make a good partner

Some folk rip and roar, some folk b'lieve in signs
People have different personalities and beliefs

But if you want me, baby, you got to take your time
I am worth taking the time for

I ain't got no diamonds, I ain't got no gold
I may not be rich, but I have something more valuable

But I do got love to satisfy your soul
I have love to give that will fulfill you emotionally

But I got everything, all you good women need
I possess all the good qualities that women want in a man

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: WILLIE DIXON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it