He was born John Ned Shines in Frayser, Tennessee. He spent most of his childhood in Memphis playing slide guitar at an early age in local “jukes” and for tips on the streets. His first musical influences were Blind Lemon Jefferson and Howlin’ Wolf, but he was taught to play the guitar by his mother. Shines moved to Hughes, Arkansas in 1932 and worked on farms for three years putting his musical career on hold. But it was a chance meeting with Robert Johnson, his greatest influence, that gave him the inspiration to return to music. In 1935, Johnny Shines began traveling with Robert Johnson, touring the south and heading as far north as Ontario. There, they both appeared on a local radio program. The two went their separate ways in 1937, one year before Johnson’s death.
Johnny Shines played throughout the U.S. South until 1941 when he decided to head back to Canada and then to Africa. He never made it past Chicago. In Chicago, Shines found work in the construction trade and continued to play in local bars.
He made his first recording in 1946 for Columbia Records, but the takes were never released. He later recorded for Chess and was once again denied. He kept playing with local blues musicians in the Chicago area for several more years. In 1952, Johnny Shines recorded what is considered his best work for the J.O.B. Records label. The recordings were a commercial flop and Shines frustrated with the music industry, sold his equipment and returned to construction.
In 1966, Vanguard records found Shines taking photographs in a Chicago blues club. He recorded with the label takes for the 3rd installment of Chicago/The Blues/Today!. The album has since then become a blues classic and it brought Johnny Shines into to mainstream music scene.
Shines toured with the Chicago All Stars alongside Lee Jackson, Big Walter Horton and Willie Dixon. In the late sixties and seventies, Johnny Shines toured with Robert Johnson’s step-son, Robert Junior Lockwood as the last remaining original delta blues musicians. In 1980, Shines’ music was brought to a standstill when he suffered a stroke. He would later appear in the documentary “Searching for Robert Johnson” and manage to release one last album, Back To The Country. Johnny Shines Died on April 20, 1992 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
In 1989, Johnny Shines met a Minnesota born young blues player named Kent Duchaine, and the two of them toured for the next several years until Shines' death.
Nobody's Fault But Mine
Johnny Shines Lyrics
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Nobody's fault but mine
If I die and my soul be lost
Nobody's fault but mine
I said, "I had mother who could pray
I had mother who could pray"
Nobody's fault but mine, yeah
Oh mine, yeah now
I had mother who could sing
I had mother who could sing
If I die and my soul be lost
It's nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
If I die and my soul be lost now
If I die and my soul be lost now
If I die and my soul be lost now
If I die and my soul be lost
Nobody's fault but mine
The song "Nobody's Fault But Mine" by Johnny Shines is a traditional blues song that explores themes of personal responsibility and spiritual struggles. The repetition of the refrain "Nobody's fault but mine" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's belief that he alone is responsible for his own fate, whether it be salvation or damnation.
The opening lines give the song its title, and suggest that the singer is taking full responsibility for his own life choices. He doesn't blame others for his mistakes or shortcomings, recognizing that his own actions will determine his ultimate destiny. He then reflects on his upbringing, specifically noting the religious influence of his mother who was able to pray and sing. Despite this spiritual guidance, the singer acknowledges that his fate lies solely with him.
The song's religious undertones are particularly significant, as it suggests that the singer is struggling with his faith and his own personal salvation. While he recognizes the importance of his mother's guidance, he also recognizes that ultimately, it is up to him to make the right choices if he wants to be saved. This message is particularly powerful in a genre that has often been associated with sin and temptation.
Overall, "Nobody's Fault But Mine" is a deeply introspective song that highlights the importance of personal responsibility and the struggles that often come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Nobody's fault but mine
I am responsible for my own actions and the consequences that come with them. I cannot blame anyone else if I fail to lead a righteous life.
If I die and my soul be lost
In the event of my death, if I have not lived a virtuous life and go to hell, it is solely my fault and no one else's.
I had mother who could pray
I was fortunate enough to have a mother who was deeply religious and could offer up prayers on my behalf to help guide me towards a path of righteousness.
I had mother who could sing
My mother's singing of spiritual songs and hymns helped to instill a sense of morality and devotion in me, which I must uphold on my own.
Contributed by Liam W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.