Goin' Down Slow
Howlin' Wolf and The Wolf Gang Lyrics
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You know I don't enjoy things that kings and queens will never have
And things kings and queens can never get
And they don't even know about
And good times, mmmmm
I have had my fun
If I never get well no more
If I never get well no more
Oh my health is fading
Oh yes I'm going down slow
Now lookit here
I did not say I was a millionaire
But I said I have spent more money than a millionaire
'Cause if I had kept all the money then I already had spent
Then I would've been a millionaire a long time ago
And women, great googly moogly!
Please write my mother
Tell her the shape I'm in
Please write my mother
Tell her the shape I'm in
Tell her to pray for her son
Forgive me for my sins
In Howlin' Wolf's song "Going Down Slow," the lyrics depict a man who has lived a life full of experiences that surpass what even kings and queens could possess. He then mentions how good times were had, but through it all, his health has been deteriorating, and he is slowly on his way down. The man does not claim to be wealthy, but he does acknowledge that he has spent an amount of money that would surpass a typical millionaire's earnings. Additionally, he mentions how women were a significant part of his life, and he is asking someone to inform his mother of his current state and to pray for him and his sins.
The song's lyrics focus on the end stages of life, with the singer acknowledging that he is slowly declining health-wise, and he may never get well again. The song's repetition of the phrase, "I have had my fun if I never get well no more," emphasizes the man's acceptance of his fate and his desire to make the most of his remaining time. The song's lyrics provide commentary on the impermanence of life and the importance of making the most of what time one has.
Line by Line Meaning
Man
Addressing someone in the audience or listener.
You know I don't enjoy things that kings and queens will never have
I don't find enjoyment in things that even royalty can't obtain.
And things kings and queens can never get
Even kings and queens can't obtain some of the things I enjoy.
And they don't even know about
Royalty aren't even aware of the things I like to do.
And good times, mmmmm
I love to have a good time, and there's nothing like it.
I have had my fun
I've lived a good life up until now.
If I never get well no more
Even if I don't get better, I've enjoyed my life well enough already.
Oh my health is fading
I'm starting to feel the effects of my declining health.
Oh yes I'm going down slow
I'm aware that my health is deteriorating, and it will be a slow process.
Now lookit here
Listen up, I have a story to tell.
I did not say I was a millionaire
I'm not claiming to be rich.
But I said I have spent more money than a millionaire
However, I have spent more money than a millionaire would typically spend.
'Cause if I had kept all the money then I already had spent
If I had kept all the money I've spent in the past, I'd be a millionaire by now.
Then I would've been a millionaire a long time ago
I could've been a millionaire a long time ago if I had been more frugal with my spending.
And women, great googly moogly!
Women are another thing I enjoy, and boy do I love them!
Please write my mother
I'm asking for a favor from someone, probably someone close to me.
Tell her the shape I'm in
Please let my mother know about my current physical condition.
Tell her to pray for her son
Please ask her to pray for me during this difficult time.
Forgive me for my sins
I'm acknowledging that I've committed sins in the past and asking for forgiveness.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JAMES B. ODEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind