Riley B. King
Mo Keb Lyrics


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He's a king without a castle or crown
And every night he lays his body down
In a different town but one thing stays the same
Everybody knows his name

People may laugh or cry as his stories are told
To tell the truth like this a man must be bold
And the people are glad, for the things he shares
Everybody knows he cares

By the light of the moon comes a flood of emotion
Riley B. King, be the king of the ocean
He's royal blue like the deep blue sea
Riley B. King

Out of the darkness and into the light
To fight the peaceful warrior's fight
Such a beautiful sight and the way you feel
Watchin' him with Lucille

The heart of the man is open wide
And he closes his eyes and looks inside
To a love of the world through the song he sings
Giving it everything

By the light of the moon comes a flood of emotion
Riley B. King, be the king of the ocean
He's royal blue like the deep blue sea
Riley B. King

By the light of the moon comes a flood of emotion
Riley B. King, be the king of the ocean
He's royal blue like the deep blue sea
Riley B. King

By the light of the moon comes a flood of emotion
Riley B. King, be the king of the ocean




He's royal blue like the deep blue sea
Riley B. King

Overall Meaning

In Mo Keb's song "Riley B. King," the lyrics pay homage to the legendary blues artist, B.B. King. The song portrays B.B. King as a king without the traditional symbols of power, such as a castle or crown. However, his reputation precedes him wherever he goes, as everybody knows his name. The song describes how B.B. King shares his stories, telling the truth in a bold and honest manner that leaves his listeners moved, whether to laughter or tears. The lyrics also emphasize that B.B. King cares deeply about his audience, and people are glad for the things he shares.


The chorus of the song likened B.B. King to the ocean; "by the light of the moon comes a flood of emotion, Riley B. King, be the king of the ocean, he's royal blue like the deep blue sea, Riley B. King." The song acknowledges B.B. King's struggle to promote peace through his music, often fighting a silent battle in the fight of the "peaceful warrior." Through his music, B.B. King opens his heart to the world and looks inward at the same time. He sings with deep passion and gives everything to his audience.


Overall, the lyrics of "Riley B. King" are a tribute to the legendary blues musician and his contribution to music. The song acknowledges his reputation as a traveling performer and his legacy and dedication to his craft.


Line by Line Meaning

He's a king without a castle or crown
Riley B. King is a person of great importance but does not need material possessions to prove it.


And every night he lays his body down
Despite his fame, Riley B. King is just like everybody else and needs rest.


In a different town but one thing stays the same
Although he travels extensively, Riley B. King's reputation precedes him wherever he goes.


Everybody knows his name
Riley B. King is so well-known and respected that his name is recognized by everyone.


People may laugh or cry as his stories are told
Riley B. King's emotions and experiences are so powerful that they can elicit strong reactions from others.


To tell the truth like this a man must be bold
Being honest and open about one's feelings and experiences takes courage, which Riley B. King possesses.


And the people are glad, for the things he shares
Because Riley B. King shares his talent and insight, the people appreciate and admire him.


Everybody knows he cares
Riley B. King's concern for others is evident to everyone.


By the light of the moon comes a flood of emotion
Riley B. King's musical performances are deeply moving and evoke intense feelings in his audience.


Riley B. King, be the king of the ocean
Riley B. King's power and influence is as vast and profound as the ocean.


He's royal blue like the deep blue sea
Riley B. King's impact on people is as vast and significant as the deep blue sea.


Out of the darkness and into the light
Riley B. King has overcome hardships and difficult times to reach his current level of success.


To fight the peaceful warrior's fight
Riley B. King uses his musical talent to inspire and spread positive messages, serving as a peaceful warrior.


Such a beautiful sight and the way you feel
Watching and listening to Riley B. King perform is a moving and inspiring experience.


Watchin' him with Lucille
Lucille is Riley B. King's guitar, and watching him play it is a joy and privilege.


The heart of the man is open wide
Riley B. King's emotions and thoughts are on full display, and he is unafraid to show his vulnerability.


And he closes his eyes and looks inside
Riley B. King deeply reflects on himself, his experiences, and the state of the world, seeking insight and inspiration.


To a love of the world through the song he sings
Riley B. King's music is a reflection of his love and concern for the world, and he hopes to use it to make a positive impact.


Giving it everything
Riley B. King pours his heart and soul into his music, giving it his utmost effort and dedication.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Ford Robben, Kevin Moore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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