Double Crossing Time
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers Feat Eric Clapton Lyrics

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It's a mean old scene
When it comes to double crossing time.
It's a mean old scene
When it comes to double crossing time.
When you think you got good buddies,
They will spin around and cheat you blind.

Double crossing man is mean,

He will try to make it so you lose.
Double crossing man,
He will try to make it so you lose.

You'll fill your mind with worry,
You know he hurt me with the blues.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of John Mayall The Bluesbreakers's song Double Crossing Time revolve around the theme of betrayal and mistrust. Mayall starts off by describing the situation as a mean old scene when it comes to double crossing time. It refers to the moment when a person realizes that their supposed friends have betrayed them. The verse captures the sense of sorrow and deception that comes with this realization. Mayall follows up with the statement that when one thinks they have good buddies, they will turn around and cheat them blindly, leading to disappointment and frustration.

The second verse is more focused on the double-crossing man, who Mayall describes as mean and always tries to make one lose. This person is a manipulator who will make sure that their victim is continually worried, ultimately leading to them being hurt with the blues - a term used to describe a state of deep sadness. The lyrics paint a picture of the difficulties that one may face in relationships, particularly when one encounters people who deliberately deceive them, causing them pain and heartbreak.

Line by Line Meaning

It's a mean old scene
The situation is unpleasant

When it comes to double crossing time.
When someone tries to deceive you

It's a mean old scene
The situation is unpleasant

When it comes to double crossing time.
When someone tries to deceive you

When you think you got good buddies,
When you trust your friends

They will spin around and cheat you blind.
They will betray you and take advantage of you

Double crossing man is mean,
A deceitful man is cruel

He will try to make it so you lose.
He will attempt to make you fail

Double crossing man,
A deceitful man

He will try to make it so you lose.
He will attempt to make you fail

You'll fill your mind with worry,
You'll be anxious