Shortly after completing high school, Jeff began to gain attention around the Toronto pub and club scene with a three piece band that showcased his incredible talents. The Jeff Healey Band had a monthly weekend gig at Baker Street, on Queen Street East. Jeff soon garnered local attention and people traveled to come and see him play with his band. Record executives came to check out his performances before he eventually signed with BMG Canada and Artista in the USA. His guitar workmanship became legendary with his unique playing style, and he was recruited for a spot in the 1989 motion picture Road House, which starred Patrick Swayze and Sam Elliott as bouncers at a roadside bar. Jeff and his band were regular 'performers' at the seedy club and are featured on its official soundtrack.
Jeff was more than just a gifted guitarist, he was a devoted passionate musician who played trumpet in his own Jazz band, Jeff Healey and the Jazz Wizards, hosted a regular radio music show on CBC, and collected vinyl recordings including vintage 78's, and was reported to have one of Canada's largest private music libraries.
Jeff Healey tragically died in Toronto, Sunday March 2, 2008, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was only 41. For greater details on Jeff's life and musical career contributions, visit his Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Healey
A live DVD/CD box set entitled "Legacy - Volume 1" was released posthumously in 2009 on Arbor Records without Jeff Healey's wife Cristie and his estate's participation. On his website, Cristie Healey discourages support of this product. www.jeffhealey.com
Mess O' Blues
Jeff Healey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too bad you can't come home
I swear I'm goin' crazy
Sittin' here all alone
Since you're gone
I got a mess of blues
I ain't slept a wink since Sunday
Every day is just blue Monday
Since you've been away
Since you're gone
I got a mess of blues
Whoops there goes a teardrop
Rollin' down my face
If you cry when you're in love
It sure ain't no disgrace
I gotta get myself together
Before I lose my mind
I'm gonna catch the next train goin'
And leave my blues behind
Since you're gone
I got a mess of blues
Whoops there goes a teardrop
Rollin' down my face
If you cry when you're in love
It sure ain't no disgrace
I gotta get myself together
Before I lose my mind
I'm gonna catch the next train goin'
And leave my blues behind
Since you're gone
I got a mess of blues
Since you're gone I got a mess of blues
Since you're gone I got a mess of blues
The lyrics of Jeff Healey's song Mess O' Blues express the feeling of heartbreak, loneliness, and desperation that one experiences after a loved one leaves. The singer just received her letter, stating that she cannot come back home, and since then, he has been sitting alone, going crazy. He is unable to eat or sleep, and every day seems like a blue Monday. The teardrops on his face are the manifestation of his heartbreak as he tries to get himself together before losing his mind entirely. He wants to leave his blues behind and catch the next train, and the repetition of the chorus emphasizes the depth of his emotional turmoil.
The song is a poignant expression of the human experience of love and loss. The artist's blues-inspired instrumental interpretation adds to the mood of the song, creating a deep emotional resonance with the listener. The lyrics of the song encapsulate the feeling of loneliness, heartbreak, and the journey to healing that follows. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the message that he is struggling to move on but cannot, as he is immersed in a mess of the blues.
Line by Line Meaning
I just got your letter baby
I received a letter from you recently.
Too bad you can't come home
Unfortunately, you are unable to return home.
I swear I'm goin' crazy
I feel like I am losing my mind.
Sittin' here all alone
I am currently alone and not accompanied by anyone.
Since you're gone I got a mess of blues
Since you left, I have been feeling very sad and emotional.
I ain't slept a wink since Sunday
I have not been able to sleep since Sunday.
I can't eat a thing all day
I have lost my appetite and have not eaten all day.
Every day is just blue Monday
Each day feels as sad and uninspired as a Monday.
Whoops there goes a teardrop
I am shedding a tear.
Rollin' down my face
The tear is falling down my cheek.
If you cry when you're in love
It is common to cry when experiencing love and heartbreak.
It sure ain't no disgrace
There is no shame in displaying one's emotions.
I gotta get myself together
I need to become emotionally stable and stop feeling sad.
Before I lose my mind
I do not want to become mentally unstable or crazy.
I'm gonna catch the next train goin'
I am going to leave soon and take the next available transportation.
And leave my blues behind
I am going to leave behind my feelings of sadness.
Contributed by Lucas D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@debbie6816
Love me some Jeff! 😍🎶🎶😍😎
@burnette44
Jeff will ALWAYS have a solid spot at the top of my contemporary blues favourites list!!!! What voice, what guitar artistry, what INCREDIBLE talent!! There will NEVER be anyone like him again!! RIP Jeff...you'll never be forgotten!!
@coravisser727
We will never forget you your music is going through by the fans who are keeping the blues alive.
@ELVIS1975T
I am proud of you, boy, singing my song...
@TinasNononsenseTraining
Who ever can refrain from shaking their booty while listening to this, well, something just ain't right with them.
@davidpedersen1757
What amazes me is how he did all that BLIND! I mean, anyone that can play like that is talented, but being able to do it blind is something else entirely - something far more impressive and advanced.
I actually own that album (my father gave it to me a while ago) and I put it on all the time. The music is just... so darn good and original!
@askerdog1
love it great amazing musician JEFF HEALEY a great ELVIS COVER
@olegkrivenkoff7124
You are the best! Thank you Jeff! RIP
@Flashlytemt
Rest in Peace...miss you you're a legend
@alfredocristovamdesouza1129
Jeff Healey Presley !!!