Killing Floor
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I shoulda quit you
A long time ago
I shoulda quit you, babe
A long time ago
I shoulda quit you pretty mama
And went on to Mexico

If I had'a followed my right mind
If I'da followed my right mind
I'd a been on the corner
my second time

Lord knows, I shoulda went home





Lord knows I shoulda went home
When my best friend come at me

Overall Meaning

In the song, "Killing Floor," Howlin' Wolf sings about a relationship that has gone wrong. He realizes that he should have ended it a long time ago, but he didn't. The line "I should have quit you, a long time ago" is repeated several times throughout the song to emphasize the regret that he feels. He also mentions that he should have gone to Mexico, implying that leaving the relationship entirely would have been a better option.


He reflects on the moments when he first realized that the relationship was not working and how he should have followed his instincts. However, he stayed with the person, and as a result, he ended up on the "killing floor." This term refers to the space where musicians would perform in front of a live audience in blues clubs. But in this context, it is a metaphor for the pain and hurt that the singer is experiencing in the relationship.


The "killing floor" is also a place where animals are slaughtered, which adds to the dark and violent tone of the song. The lyrics reveal a sense of helplessness and despair as the singer faces the consequences of staying in a toxic relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

I should have quit you, a long time ago
I should have stopped being involved with you a while back


I should have quit you, babe, long time ago
I should have stopped being involved with you, darling, a while back


I should have quit you, and went on to Mexico
I should have stopped being involved with you and left to go somewhere else, like Mexico


If I had-a followed my first mind
If I had listened to my initial thoughts and feelings


If I had-a followed my first mind
If I had listened to my initial thoughts and feelings


I'd been gone, since my second time
I would have left you after my second experience with you


I shoulda went on, when my friend come from Mexico at me
I should have left when my friend came to me from Mexico


I shoulda went on, when my friend come from Mexico at me
I should have left when my friend came to me from Mexico


But no, I was foolin' with ya, baby, I let ya put me on the killin' floor
But instead, I was playing around with you, dear, and allowed you to put me in a dangerous situation


Lord knows, I shoulda been gone
God knows I should have left


Lord knows, I shoulda been gone
God knows I should have left


And I wouldn't have been here, down on the killin' floor
If I had left, I wouldn't be in this dangerous place


Yeah
Yes




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@MikeDavid_Davideos

Thanks Slash, Brian Johnson and Steven Tyler for covering this song

@andaable

llegué acá por ellos.

@riki_tiki_ti

Original song is much much better. Shash's version is like a modern Ford Mustang standing next to 1965 model. Faster and full of technology, but 0% charisma and spirit.

@gavRirvine

and Zeppelin bringing it to the white kids

@contax7

WHAT A RIFF... slash is too fast ,fast can be better , just played back 2 back and HW:: sits and brews! Brian reads lyrics is directed and does not care. Wolf is the quitter !!!

@vernrussell99

Slash Brian and Steven should do Champagne and reefer next , a bit of Muddy Waters, But this is great

46 More Replies...

@teddywalter3886

This man deserves so much more credit for his roll in music history, great tune

@rhdhehv4749

agreed

@apolloptx

*role.

@korbiniangaigl9916

As much as Muddy Waters does too?
Who the fuck is Michael Jackson?
I‘m listening to Muddy Waters, Little Walter and Howling Wolf.

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