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.
Sitting On Top of the World
Howlin' Wolf Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She went away
She gone and left me
She gone to stay
But now she gone
And I can't worry
Because I'm sittin' on top of the world
Worked all the summer
Worked all the fall
Had to take my Christmas
In my overalls
But now she's gone
And I don't worry
Sittin' on top of the
Goin' down to the freight yard
Catch me a freight train
I'm gon' leave this town
Work done got hard
But now she gone
And I don't worry
Sittin' on top of the world
The lyrics of Sitting On Top Of The World convey a sense of freedom, strength and resilience to move forward despite the hardships of life. The song opens with the persona expressing the pain of his lover leaving him, but quickly transitions to the realization that her absence has made him stronger. He states that he can't worry because he is "sitting on top of the world." This could mean that he has found a sense of stability and independence since he's no longer tied to his ex-girlfriend.
In the second verse, the persona recounts his hard work and struggles to make ends meet. He mentions having to wear his overalls on Christmas, which implies poverty. However, he emphasizes that he isn't worried because he's "sitting on top of the world." This line could mean that he is content with what he has and doesn't need material possessions to feel fulfilled.
The final verse finds the persona leaving town in search of new opportunities. He intends to catch a freight train and start a new life. The lyrics suggest that he is leaving behind a difficult situation, but he's not worried because he's "sitting on top of the world." This line could indicate that he has maintained his resilience and ability to rise above difficult circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
One summer day
At some point in the past, on a singular day during summertime.
She went away
The person in question departed, likely to a different location.
She gone and left me
She departed from my presence and left me alone.
She gone to stay
She planned to remain away for an extended period of time.
But now she gone
She remains gone in the present moment.
And I can't worry
I cannot concern myself with her absence as it will not help the situation.
Because I'm sittin' on top of the world
Despite her departure, I remain content with my current circumstances.
Worked all the summer
During the summertime, I put forth effort towards labor.
Worked all the fall
During the autumn season, I continued to put forth effort towards labor.
Had to take my Christmas
I was unable to take time off for Christmas since I had to continue working.
In my overalls
I wore my work coveralls during the holiday season.
But now she's gone
Despite her absence, I remain unaffected.
And I don't worry
I do not let her departure trouble me.
Sittin' on top of the
My current circumstances keep me at peace.
Goin' down to the freight yard
I am headed towards the freight yard.
Catch me a freight train
I intend to board a freight train for travel purposes.
I'm gon' leave this town
I plan to exit this town behind in pursuit of different opportunity.
Work done got hard
My work has grown increasingly difficult over time.
Sittin' on top of the world
Despite the difficult work and even the person's departure, I remain content and at peace.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@murph5438
The Wolf was a monster bluesman --- his music will never die
@4795598
You got that right.
@ddoeser5830
Jammer eigenlijk dat de grondleggers de muziek niet mee konden maken in de tijd waarin we nu leven "JAAR 2022 . TIJD 02:01 NACHT.
@jamesbueker11
Absolutely the pinnacle of the blues. Howl away Wolfman.
@user-mm2dg2gp7b
I have been to the South 1 time. My Mom and my dad are from the South. I have a Southern spirit but i am a city boy.
@oma15
you know when you forget a song exists until you see the title again and then you remember how awesome that song is? that's me right now
@johnconroy8323
Been there with u tube every day right now too
@joshuajacobson8397
I've heard of him. This is great. I haven't listened to the blues much but this is good. A very interesting voice and musicianship.
@ivanbazant8475
Howlin Wolf is on the top of the
World
@shanefelkel9966
Such a great club feel to this song. Dont think it is live, but the drums really resonate and the whole vibe seems imperative and immediate.