I'm Ready
Howlin' Wolf & Muddy Waters Lyrics


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I'm ready, ready as anybody can be
I'm ready, ready as anybody can be
Now I'm ready for you, I hope you're ready for me

I got an axe handle pistol on a graveyard frame
That shoot tombstone bullets, wearin' balls and chain
I'm drinkin' TNT, I'm smokin' dynamite
I hope some screwball start a fight
'Cause I'm ready, ready as anybody can be
I'm ready for you, I hope you're ready for me

All you pretty little chicks with your pretty little hair
I know you feels like I ain't nowhere
But stop what your doin' baby come overhere
I'll prove to you baby, that I ain't no square
Because I'm ready, ready as anybody can be
Now I'm ready for you, I hope you're ready for me

I been drinkin' gin like never before
I feel so good, I want you to know
One more drink, I wish you would
I takes a whole lotta lovin' to make me feel good




'Cause I'm ready, ready as anybody can be
Now I'm ready for you, I hope you're ready for me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I'm Ready" by Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters are empowering and confident, as the singer asserts their readiness to take on anyone who challenges them. The repeated refrain of "I'm ready, ready as anybody can be" sets the tone for the song's message of strength and determination. The singer describes themselves as armed with an "axe handle pistol on a graveyard frame" that shoots bullets made of tombstones, a vivid and ominous image of their power. They are also drinking TNT and smoking dynamite, indicating their explosive energy and readiness for action.


The second verse addresses women, telling them to stop what they're doing and come over to witness the singer's abilities. The singer aims to prove that they are "no square," or no pushover, and that they are more than capable of handling any challenge. The final verse describes the singer's euphoria from drinking gin, and their need for love and affection to feel fulfilled. Throughout the song, the singer exudes confidence, power, and a sense of readiness that invites others to challenge them.


Overall, "I'm Ready" conveys a sense of bravado and self-assuredness that is common in blues music. The lyrics are straightforward and easy to understand, and they effectively convey the singer's sense of readiness and confidence.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm ready, ready as anybody can be
I am prepared and willing to take on any challenges that come my way.


Now I'm ready for you, I hope you're ready for me
I am eagerly waiting for someone to face me and hope they are also prepared to take on the challenges I bring.


I got an axe handle pistol on a graveyard frame
I am carrying a lethal weapon made from a graveyard handle. This weapon can be used to take down my enemies.


That shoot tombstone bullets, wearin' balls and chain
I have bullets made from tombstones in my weapon that can do maximum damage. Additionally, I am wearing balls and a chain as a sign of my toughness and grit.


I'm drinkin' TNT, I'm smokin' dynamite
I am consuming explosive materials like TNT and dynamite in large quantities to show that I am not afraid of danger and risk.


I hope some screwball start a fight
I am looking for a person who is crazy and daring enough to pick a fight with me. I am ready to face anyone who dares to challenge me.


All you pretty little chicks with your pretty little hair
I am addressing all the young, attractive women, who may underestimate my toughness and strength because of my looks.


I know you feels like I ain't nowhere
I'm aware that you may perceive me as weak and insignificant, but I am standing strong and ready to face any challenges.


But stop what your doin' baby come overhere
Despite your reservations, come closer and witness my strength and determination for yourself.


I'll prove to you baby, that I ain't no square
I am confident that I can prove my toughness and strength to you and show you that I'm not a pushover.


I been drinkin' gin like never before
I have been consuming large amounts of gin, possibly to boost my courage, show my aggressiveness and loosen up.


I feel so good, I want you to know
My state of mind is currently jubilant and positive, and I want to let others, especially the women, know how good I feel.


One more drink, I wish you would
I am challenging others to keep up with me, daring anyone who feels bold enough to consume another drink and compete with me.


I takes a whole lotta lovin' to make me feel good
I need a lot of love, admiration, and respect to feel good, and I am willing to fight for both internally and externally.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Willie Dixon

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

@dillantaylor6716

I got a axe handle pistol on a graveyard frame
That shoots tombstone bullets, wearing balls and chain
I'm drinking TNT
I'm smoking dynamite
I hope some screwball start a fight
Because I'm ready
Ready as anybody can be
I'm ready for you
I hope you ready for me

Those have to be the best lines in a blues tune EVA!!!

Muddy and Willie Dixon were definitely masters. rip to the both of them



@lindatoosaucy8625

I am ready, as ready as anybody can be
I am ready, ready as anybody can be
I am ready for you, I hope you ready for me

I got a axe-handled pistol on my graveyard frame
That shoot tombstone bullets, wearing balls and chain
I'm drinking TNT, I'm smoking dynamite
I hope some screwball start a fight

Cause I'm ready, ready as anybody can be
I am ready for you, I hope you ready for me

All you pretty little chicks with your curly hair
I know you feel like I ain't nowhere
Well, stop what you're doing, baby, come over here
I'll prove to you baby that I ain't no square

Because I'm ready, as ready as anybody can be
I am ready for you, I hope you ready for me

I been drinking gin like never before
I feel so good I want you to know
One more drink, I wish you would
I takes a whole lotta loving to make me feel good

Cause I'm ready, as ready as anybody can be
I am ready for you, I hope you ready for me



All comments from YouTube:

@xpmark1

This song takes me back to 1954,we white guys in our teens would cruise north Tulsa's colored town,the smoke filled bars and joints were jumpin with live rhythm and blues music,huge black dudes lighting up outside keeping watch.Muddy might have slipped into town,largely un-noticed by the white media,unless you heard he was coming in or got your hands on the Greenwood Eagle, the black newspaper.

@xgum

this guy has stories to tell

@francineandrews206

Wow I wish I were there

@danielorr7627

We're you in a Buick?

@monkeytown1000

Great drumming by Muddy Waters band unsung star Fred Below on the off beat, drives the whole song along.

@ralphraucci

I first heard this Great Song in early 1987 on the Blue Monday Show from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT. I still remember the Host's words to this Day, Muddy Waters 1954 version of I'm Ready with Willie Dixon on Bass, Little Walter on Harmonica, Otis Spann on Piano, Jimmy Rogers on Guitar, and Fred Below on Drums.
It was only through listener supported Collage Radio that we heard these Great Original Artists. I was 27 at the time, it saddens me that almost all the original Great Artist are gone and most Americans don't know about them.

@philwear

Ralph Raucci Sheet what a line up !!!

@alangonzalez7665

Ralph Raucci

@deannayoung1612

Ralph Raucci it's really sad that younger people won't ever even know this music!! all the greats & best of all times! I'm glad I'm able to hold near & dear all the greats & what they stood for! this is just great music!!

@donnaleblanc3726

I know what you mean. There is so much great music in America that most people don’t hear. Thank God for college radio and the progressive radio stations! I heard lots of blues, jazz, zydeco, bluegrass, Cajun and rhythm and blues on these stations, WHCN in the 1970s and University of Hartford radio.

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