Same Old Blues
J.J. Cale feat. Leon Russell Lyrics
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You got it made, way across town
It's the same old story, tell me where does it end
Yes, I heard the news, it's the same old blues again
When I wrote you a letter, you must have read it wrong
I stood at your doorway, but you was gone
I took a lot of courage and let the telephone ring
It's the same old blues, same old blues again
'Cause I've got a lot of patience and I've got a lot of time
It's the same old story, tell me where does it end
It's the same old blues, same old blues again
I'm gonna find me a mountain, I'm gonna hide out
I ain't talking to you and I ain't coming out
Yeah, I heard that rumour, tell me where does it end
It's the same old blues, same old blues again
The lyrics to J.J. Cale's "I Got The Same Old Blues" depict a feeling of weariness and frustration with a repetitive and potentially damaging cycle in a relationship. The singer is aware of a rumor that his lover is doing well without him, and despite the distance, he finds himself slipping back into the same old patterns of miscommunication and frustration. The singer tries to reach out to his lover, but she is not available, leaving him feeling defeated and alone. Rather than continue to fight a losing battle, the singer decides to retreat and find solace in isolation.
The opening line of the song, "Have you heard that rumor that's going around," sets the stage for a sense of gossip and hearsay that adds to the frustration and uncertainty of the situation. The chorus, which repeats the phrase "same old blues," emphasizes the cyclical nature of this emotional struggle. The singer's attempts to communicate with his lover through a letter and a phone call illustrate a sense of desperation and the hope that things might somehow be different this time. However, the final verse indicates a feeling of defeat and a desire to withdraw from the situation entirely.
Overall, "I Got The Same Old Blues" is a poignant depiction of a frustrating and all-too-familiar emotional journey.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you heard that rumour that's going around
Have you heard the gossip that is circulating?
You got it made, way across town
You are living comfortably in a distant location
It's the same old story, tell me where does it end
It's a repetitive tale, with no conclusion in sight
Yes, I heard the news, it's the same old blues again
Yes, I am aware of the information, it's a familiar sense of despair
When I wrote you a letter, you must have read it wrong
When I wrote to you, you misinterpreted my words
I stood at your doorway, but you was gone
I visited your house, but you had left
I took a lot of courage and let the telephone ring
I mustered up the bravery to call you
It's the same old blues, same old blues again
It's a repetitive feeling of despair
When you give me the business, you know I get a mind
When you confront me, I become agitated
'Cause I've got a lot of patience and I've got a lot of time
I am capable of waiting for a long time
I'm gonna find me a mountain, I'm gonna hide out
I intend to find a remote location and disappear
I ain't talking to you and I ain't coming out
I refuse to have a conversation with you or leave my hiding spot
Yeah, I heard that rumour, tell me where does it end
Yes, I am aware of the gossip, but it seems never-ending
It's the same old blues, same old blues again
It's a cyclical feeling of despair
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: J. J. Cale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@macafeez
JJ Cale Lyrics
"I Got The Same Old Blues"
Have you heard that rumour that's going around
You got it made, way across town
It's the same old story, tell me where does it end
Yes, I heard the news, it's the same old blues again
When I wrote you a letter, you must have read it wrong
I stood at your doorway, but you was gone
I took a lot of courage and let the telephone ring
It's the same old blues, same old blues again
When you give me the business, you know I get a mind
'Cause I've got a lot of patience and I've got a lot of time
It's the same old story, tell me where does it end
It's the same old blues, same old blues again
I'm gonna find me a mountain, I'm gonna hide out
I ain't talking to you and I ain't coming out
Yeah, I heard that rumour, tell me where does it end
It's the same old blues, same old blues again
@RaVenDaWn999
Unique vocal pairing. Skynyrd and EC owe a whole lot to JJ!!! Thanks for the post. Timely as we screen the family for weaponry coming in to the Holiday hoo-rah!
@mdeodar
Know these two are rockin' heaven ..
@electronhop616
and earth!
@macafeez
Two of rock's best and so laid-back! Love it! Miss them both.
@theadministers3533
Cale is my favorite head of lettuce, I’m hooked on the stuff.
Leon iz the rainbeau!!!
@macafeez
Agreed! After listening to this version a couple of times, folks will see how absolutely perfect they compliment each other. A great moment in rock!
@alonsocomin6215
I knew Lynyrd skynyrd version, which is veey good !
@toastertwo1602
It's 1979, not 1984
@macafeez
checked it out, and you're right. Adjusted the title, Thanks Brother!