Mean Town Blues
Johnny Winter Lyrics
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Grandfather told me too
Yeah, my mother she done told me and my father done told me
Grandfather told me too
It's a mean old town to live in by yourself
Could not, ha, save a lousy, could not save a dime
You know I worked for a dollar
Could not, ha, save a lousy, man couldn't save a dime
People ain't nobody worried and there ain't nobody crying
Everybody's got their hands out trying to, get a hold on
Trying to get some of my cash
Everybody's got their hand out trying to a, get a hold on
Trying to get some of my cash
Smiling great big smiles, man, you keep on talking trash
So I packed up my suitcase and I, ha, moved on down the
Hit that lonesome road
You know I packed up my suitcase and I, hit that lonesome
I moved on down the road
I been still trying to make it when the day goes down
The lyrics of Johnny Winter's song Mean Town Blues talk about a difficult life in a harsh town where no one cares about each other, and everyone wants to take advantage of each other. The beginning of the song talks about how the singer has been warned by his family members about the town's mean nature. Even with such knowledge, he tries his luck by working hard, but it does not pay off.
The following lyrics talk about how the people in the town only care about their own interests and do not care about anyone else. They try to get hold of the singer's earnings, which makes him feel frustrated and makes him hit the road. The singer decides to leave his home and tries to make his way alone. The song shows how it's tough to survive in a world where everyone is only looking out for themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Now my mother she done told me and my, ha, father done told me
Grandfather told me too
I have been warned by my family (mother, father, grandfather) about this town
It's a mean old town to live in by yourself
It is very difficult to live in this town by yourself
Yeah, I worked for a dollar
Could not, ha, save a lousy, could not save a dime
I worked hard but was unable to save any money
People ain't nobody worried and there ain't nobody crying
Nobody seems to care about anyone else's problems
Everybody's got their hands out trying to, get a hold on
Trying to get some of my cash
Everyone is trying to take my money
Smiling great big smiles, man, you keep on talking trash
People try to deceive me with their fake smiles and words
So I packed up my suitcase and I, ha, moved on down the
Hit that lonesome road
I left the town and hit the road by myself
You know I packed up my suitcase and I, hit that lonesome
I moved on down the road
I hit the road alone with nothing but my suitcase
I been still trying to make it when the day goes down
I am still trying to survive and make ends meet, even when the day ends
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Johnny Winter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
spoonful
This is one of the greatest videos on yt - nobody played like Johnny Winter, and here's he's so simple, smooth and spirited
Chrisfamo O'
Best concerts I ever saw were Rory Gallagher and Johnny. Both were high,high energy performers and imo 2 of the greatest guitarist ever.
Curtis Moffett
i think SRV took a lot from Johnny I love that growl in his voice truly a bluesman he was a brother trapped in a white boy he had soul for days
fred singer
The Woodstock version is also Johnny Winterific 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Steve
I agree with you 100%. They are the two best ever!!!!
Mark Moil
The attention that the audience gives is superb..............no selfies.........no phones.............living and listening in the moment ! This 67 yr old kid misses those days so much.
John Hanson
Agree 😊😊😊😊 best group of musicians y'all
Danielle A
They listen but seem bored. How come nobody dance? I always moved, still today, wether it was Blues, rock or any music
Chasbo Daniels
Man the audio and video quality of this is fantastic. What a fine document of Johnny’s playing.
joe bloggs
Dam,it is isn't it!