T-Bone
Neil Young & Crazy Horse Lyrics

The lyrics to Neil Young's song T-Bone seem to be repetitive at first glance, but on deeper reflection, they seem to convey a sense of lack and limitation. The repetition of 'Got mashed potatoes' and 'Ain't got no T-Bone' indicate that the singer has some basic necessities but is missing something essential. The mention of 'T-Bone' seems to be a metaphorical representation of something significant that the singer does not have - this could be interpreted in a variety of ways, including as a symbol of prosperity, fulfillment, or even a successful romantic relationship.

One interpretation of the lyrics is that they reflect the difficult financial situation that Young found himself in when he wrote the song. At the time, he had filed a lawsuit against his record label, Geffen Records, and was experiencing financial difficulties as a result. The repeated mention of 'Ain't got no T-Bone' could be seen as a reflection of the fact that despite his success as a musician, Young did not have the financial security that he deserved. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the song was reportedly recorded on a shoestring budget in a small studio.

Interestingly, the repetition of 'Got mashed potatoes' could be seen as a nod to Young's Canadian roots. Mashed potatoes are a staple of Canadian cuisine, and the song was recorded in Toronto, where Young grew up.