Boogie Chillun
John Lee Hooker & Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, my mama didn't 'low me just to stay out all night long
I didn't care what she didn't 'low--I would boogie-woogie anyhow
When I first came to town, people, I was walkin' down Hastings Street
Everybody was talkin' about the Henry Swing Club
I decided I drop in there that night
When I got there, I say, "Yes, people"
Yes, I know
Boogie Chillen'
One night I was layin' down
I heard mama and papa talkin'
I heard papa tell mama let that boy boogie-woogie
It's in him and it got to come out
And I felt so good
Went on boogiein' just the same
The opening lines of "Boogie Chillun" by John Lee Hooker speak of a young man who is restricted by his mother from staying out all night long. However, he defies her and sneaks out anyway, with no regard for her rules. This reflects a sense of rebellion and the desire to be free from constraints. The repetition of the line "I didn't care what she didn't 'low" emphasizes the defiance and lack of concern for the consequences of his actions. Instead, the focus is on the boogie-woogie music and the pursuit of good times.
The second verse of the song speaks of the Henry Swing Club on Hastings Street, which was a popular nightclub in Detroit during the 1940s and 50s. This was a place where African-American musicians, including John Lee Hooker, could perform and entertain audiences. The line "they was really havin' a ball" speaks to the high energy and liveliness of the club scene, with people dancing and enjoying the music. This verse reflects Hooker's personal experiences in the music industry and his love for boogie-woogie music.
The final verse of "Boogie Chillun" relates to Hooker's own life, as he remembers a conversation between his parents. His father encourages his mother to let him play the music that was within him, and he continues to do so despite any obstacles. This highlights Hooker's own determination and resilience in pursuing his passion for music, despite any barriers or disapproval from others.
Overall, "Boogie Chillun" speaks to the themes of self-expression, defiance, and perseverance, as well as the joy and exuberance of boogie-woogie music.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, my mama, she didn't 'low me just to stay out all night long, oh Lord
My mother did not permit me to stay out late in the night.
Well, my mama didn't 'low me just to stay out all night long
My mother was strict with curfew.
I didn't care what she didn't 'low--I would boogie-woogie anyhow
With no concern for my mother's rules, I still like to dance.
When I first came to town, people, I was walkin' down Hastings Street
As I entered this new environment I found myself on Hastings Street.
Everybody was talkin' about the Henry Swing Club
People in the area were discussing the Henry Swing Club's reputation.
I decided I drop in there that night
So I chose to give the club a visit that same evening.
When I got there, I say, 'Yes, people'
As I arrived I celebrated what I saw.
They was really havin' a ball
The folks at the club were genuinely enjoying themselves.
Yes, I know
I realized that I wanted to join in on that fun.
Boogie Chillen'
That's why I'm a Boogie Chillen'.
One night I was layin' down
Late one evening I was going to bed.
I heard mama and papa talkin'
While I was trying to get some rest, I overheard my parents talking.
I heard papa tell mama let that boy boogie-woogie
My dad was encouraging my mother to let me dance.
It's in him and it got to come out
He stated that it was an innate aspect of who I was.
And I felt so good
His words made me feel validated.
Went on boogiein' just the same
I continued to dance despite my parents' disapproval.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: BERNARD BESMAN, JOHN LEE HOOKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hawkrose8403
This sounds orgasmic❤ one of the greatest blues guitar players of all time showing them
How it’s done! It doesn’t get any better than this!
@1954IndiansFan
The Stones and Clapton backing up John Lee........that would be my ultimate concert!
@staxmantim
The look on the faces of Wood, Clapton, & Richards watching Hooker around the 3:00 minute mark! I’ve never heard quite those sounds out of a guitar, and I don’t think I ever saw Hooker up & moving like this.
@tattyshoesshigure5731
John Lee is a total legend! ❤
@bogdanszmyd
Absolutely, without a doubt !
@WarriorMigs24
Oh my god John Lee Hooker, Clapton and The Stones so good
@arminwestenhofer2735
He will be Legend...for all Times....Godfather of good music...he showed everyone how it goes...
@davidwalker5054
How can anyone not love John Lee Hooker the man just oozes style and class and they don't come any cooler. The man was born with the laidbackness gene
@MrMarkar1959
🎸02/14/2024,♥️ i can Dig It All Nite Long✌🏼🎸
@mooneyes2k478
And right there in the background, laying the solid framework that everyone can work around, but no-one can work without...the great Charlie Watts.