Born Under a Bad Sign
Koko Taylor feat. Buddy Guy Lyrics
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I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck,
I wouldn't have no luck at all
Hard luck and trouble is my only friend
I been on my own ever since I was ten
I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck,
I wouldn't have no luck at all
Wine and women is all I crave
A big legged woman is gonna carry me to my grave
Born under a bad sign
I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck,
I wouldn't have no luck at all
I can't read, haven't learned how to write
My whole life has been one big fight
Born under a bad sign
I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck,
I wouldn't have no luck at all
Bad luck...
In Koko Taylor and Buddy Guy's song Born Under a Bad Sign, the lyrics express feelings of constant misfortune and difficulty throughout life. The repeated line "Born under a bad sign, I been down since I begin to crawl" communicates a sense of being cursed or predisposed to bad luck. The phrase "If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all" suggests that even when things seem to go well, they are ultimately bound to unravel in some way.
The verse "Hard luck and trouble is my only friend, I been on my own ever since I was ten" further demonstrates the song's theme of ongoing hardship. The singer is portrayed as someone who has had to rely solely on themselves since a young age, with no real support system in place. The lines "Wine and women is all I crave, A big legged woman is gonna carry me to my grave" suggest a constant desire for pleasure and escape from the struggles of life, but ultimately seem to emphasize the singer's fatalistic attitude.
Overall, the song presents a bleak outlook on life, with the singer feeling as though they are trapped in a cycle of bad luck and misfortune. The repeated refrain of being "born under a bad sign" drives home this idea of being doomed from the start.
Line by Line Meaning
Born under a bad sign
Since my birth, my life has been plagued with misfortune and difficulty.
I been down since I begin to crawl
I have struggled since the very beginning of my life.
If it wasn't for bad luck,
I wouldn't have no luck at all
Negative occurrences are the only experiences I have ever known.
Hard luck and trouble is my only friend
Difficulty and misfortune are the only consistent companions in my life.
I been on my own ever since I was ten
I have been alone and independent since a very young age.
Wine and women is all I crave
My only desires are for alcohol and female companionship.
A big legged woman is gonna carry me to my grave
My infatuation with women will ultimately lead to my demise.
I can't read, haven't learned how to write
My whole life has been one big fight
My lack of education and constant challenges have made my life a struggle.
Bad luck...
The repeated emphasis of bad luck highlights the overarching theme of misfortune throughout the song.
Writer(s): William Bell, Booker T.Jones Jr
Contributed by Lillian K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Graham
This was the first version of this song I ever heard and it’s still my favorite. Long live blues
HDbiikerchick
Two amazing musicians. You just can't get better than this! Thanks!
Betty Achieng
Blues are the real deal.....Great cover Guy and Taylor. Rest in peace Koko.
dontworrydon
thisi s my favorite blues song , sang by 2 of the best, with Buddy's outstanding guitar---- I get chills from this version. I've seen them both but not together.
Tom Edwards
Great combo, Buddy Guy & Koko Taylor, love her raspy voice. She got the blues alright.
stew kupperman
willie dixon was the one that discovered koko. he taught her to get that 'growl' in her voice.
Jazzguts
Deep Soul Stuff,listening to this simply gives Goose bumps, Buddy guy and Koko what a combination, Buddy is playing his balls of here man,great chops and what an expression,nothing Plastic about these folks, this is pure Blues from the top shelf,thanks for posting such good inspirational Stuff,Vic.
Joseph Ciresi
There’s so many versions of this Classic tune - Albert and this version are my favs🍺
Dennis Wright
I miss you Koko. I was so blessed to be able to see you live. Thank you so much!!
osvaldo jacobina
QUE DUPLA MARAVILHOSA. É DE SE OUVIR AJOELHADO!!!!