Killing Floor
Jimi Hendrix/Jimi Hendrix Experience Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A long time ago
I should of quit you baby
A long time ago
But you got me messin' round with you baby
You got me cryin' on a killin' floor, yeah
If I don't fallow, yeah
My first mind
My first mind
I would have been gone since my second time
Yeah
Lord knows, right now
I should've been gone
Lord knows, I should've been gone
You got me messin' round with you baby
You got me cryin' on a killin' floor
Yeah, that's all
Ooh, you got me cryin' baby
Ohh, you got me cryin'
The lyrics of Jimi Hendrix's "Killing Floor" appears to be about an unfaithful lover who continues to draw the singer back in, even though the singer knows they should have left a long time ago. The singer is regretful about not following their "first mind" and leaving the relationship, and now finds themselves trapped in a cycle of pain and crying on a "killin' floor." The repetition of "I should have quit you" emphasizes the singer's internal struggle and the difficulty of breaking free from a toxic relationship.
The metaphor of the "killin' floor" adds another layer to the song's meaning, possibly alluding to the merciless nature of love and the emotional pain it can cause. The use of blues instrumentation and Jimi Hendrix's powerful guitar playing also contribute to the intense emotions conveyed in the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I should of quit you
I should have ended our relationship
A long time ago
A while back
But you got me messin' round with you baby
But you still have power over me, and I can't resist you
You got me cryin' on a killin' floor, yeah
Your actions are causing me intense pain and distress
If I don't fallow, yeah
If I don't listen to my instincts
My first mind
My intuition
I would have been gone since my second time
I would have left you after the second time, if I had listened to my intuition
Lord knows, right now
I know that right now
I should've been gone
I should have left you
Yeah, that's all
That's all I have to say
Ooh, you got me cryin' baby
You are making me sad and emotional
Ohh, you got me cryin'
You are making me cry
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Chester Burnett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind