John Mayall is often referred to as the "Father of the British blues." His well-known band is still called John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. They started out in the late 1950s in England, using Chicago style blues as a starting basis for their sound, which has evolved from album to album. And while at one point John Mayall was playing a fairly jazzy sound, he has always come back to the blues.
One of the interesting features of the Bluesbreakers is that members have changed on a very regular basis, and many have gone on to well deserved fame and fortune with other bands and as solo acts. Past members include: Eric Clapton, and Jack Bruce, (also of Cream), Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, and Mick Taylor, (who went on to a five -year stint with the Stones.) The studio album recorded with Clapton, entitled John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, was recorded in 1966, and is widely considered to be one of the great classic blues albums on either side of the stormy Atlantic. Cream came round right after.
John Mayall stands out for several reasons - his standing up for the blues, while experimenting with different approaches, his ability to attract the best of musicians; and perhaps most notably his willingness to work with musicians who far outshine him in sheer ability. And he himself sounds very good!
From:Wikipedia
I'm Tore Down
John Mayall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground.
I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground.
Well, I feel like this when my baby can't be found.
I went to the river to jump in.
My baby showed up and said, "I will tell you when."
Well, I feel like this when my baby can't be found.
I love you babe with all my heart and soul;
Love like mine will never grow old.
Love you in the morning and in the evening too.
Every time you leave me I get mad with you.
[Chorus]
I love you baby with all my might;
Love like mine is out of sight.
I'll lie for you if you want me to.
I really don't believe that your love is true.
[Chorus]
I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground.
Well, I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground.
Well, I feel like this when my baby can't be found.
The song "I'm Tore Down" by John Mayall expresses the feeling of being completely lost and defeated when his lover is not with him. The chorus repeats the phrase, "I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground," which creates an image of him feeling broken and almost non-existent without his lover. The verse, "I went to the river to jump in, my baby showed up and said, 'I will tell you when,'" suggests that he was willing to end his life without his lover. His lover then appears unexpectedly, showing that Mayall's character is unable to cope without his loved one. This adds to the emotional intensity of the song.
Mayall's verse, "I'll lie for you if you want me to. I really don't believe that your love is true," reveals his desperation for his lover's affection. The lyrics portray a man who is willing to do anything to keep his relationship alive, even if it means compromising his own values. The song's final verse concludes with "Well, I feel like this when my baby can't be found," closing the loop on the feelings of despair that come with separation from a loved one.
Overall, "I'm Tore Down" is a profound and emotionally intense song about the desperate need to be loved and recognized by a partner. It's a relatable experience for anyone who has felt deep attachment to someone, whether it ended positively or negatively.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground.
I am so emotionally devastated that I feel like I'm physically sinking to the ground.
Well, I feel like this when my baby can't be found.
My lover's absence is causing me profound emotional distress.
I went to the river to jump in.
I was so overwhelmed by my emotions that I considered ending my own life.
My baby showed up and said, "I will tell you when."
My lover interrupted my suicidal thoughts and gave me a glimmer of hope by offering to share their feelings with me soon.
I love you babe with all my heart and soul;
My love for you is all-consuming and encompasses every part of me.
Love like mine will never grow old.
The strength and intensity of my affection is so deep that it will never weaken or disappear with time.
Love you in the morning and in the evening too.
My devotion to you is unwavering and persists throughout the day and night.
Every time you leave me I get mad with you.
I am so attached to you that your absence provokes a sense of anger and frustration within me.
I love you baby with all my might;
My love for you is so intense that it is beyond my control and takes all my energy.
Love like mine is out of sight.
The magnitude and fervor of my feelings for you are beyond what anyone else can imagine.
I'll lie for you if you want me to.
I care for you so much that I am willing to deceive others in order to protect you or make you happy.
I really don't believe that your love is true.
Despite my overwhelming affection for you, I am filled with doubt and insecurity about the authenticity of your love for me.
[Chorus]
Repeated chorus signifying the intense emotional turmoil that the absence of his lover causes.
Well, I'm tore down, I'm almost level with the ground.
Reiteration of the physical and emotional devastation caused by his lover's absence.
Well, I feel like this when my baby can't be found.
Reiteration of the intense emotional distress caused by his lover's absence.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sonny Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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