Nobody's Fault But Mine
Paul Butterfield's Better Days Lyrics
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Nobody's fault but mine
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Ah, have a bible in my home
Have a bible in my home
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Taught me how to read
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Nobody's fault but mine.
Oh Lord, nobody's fault but mine
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Ah have a bible in my home
Have a bible in my home
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
Oh, buddy she taught me how to read
Buddy she taught me how to read
Tryin' to raise my soul to light.
Ah, Lord, Lord, nobody's fault but mine
Bible and my soul tonight
And sister she taught me how to read
Sister she taught me how to read
Bible and my soul tonight.
Ah, no, no, nobody's fault but mine.
Bible and my soul tonight.
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Tryin' to raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Got a bible in my home
Got a bible in my home
Tryin' to raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine - yeah!
Sister she taught me to roll
My sister she taught me to roll
I roll along the line
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
I'll raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Take it on, take it on
I got a monkey on my back
I gotta monkey on my back, back, back
I'll raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine - yeah
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
I'll raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Whoo!
Naw.
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
I'll raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Nobody's fault but mine
Tryin' raise my soul to the light
Nobody's fault but mine
Oh!
The song "Nobody's Fault but Mine" by Paul Butterfield's Better Days is a traditional gospel blues song, with lyrics that express a personal struggle to find redemption and salvation. The repetition of the lines "nobody's fault but mine" shows a sense of personal responsibility for one's life's journey. The lyrics suggest that the singer is trying to read the Bible and find guidance, with the hope that it will lead them to the light. It is as if they are saying that if they can't find their way, it's nobody's fault but their own. Furthermore, the singer acknowledges that they have a "monkey on [their] back" and implies that they must bear the weight of their burdens and overcome them.
The song's heavy use of repetition gives the lyrics a hypnotic effect, emphasizing the cyclical nature of the song, which is performed mostly in a call-and-response style. The singer's desperation is palpable, as they seek solace from their trials and tribulations. They turn to the Bible and those who have helped them before, Sister and Buddy, for guidance and knowledge. The final line, "nobody's fault but mine" is repeated numerous times, underscoring the power of personal accountability and the need for redemption to come from within.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah, nobody's fault but mine
I take full responsibility for my actions and my current situation, and acknowledge that it is no one's fault but my own.
Nobody's fault but mine
I am the sole cause of my problems and I need to take responsibility for them.
Tryin' to raise my soul to light
I am making an effort to improve myself and become a better person in the eyes of my God and my community.
Ah, have a bible in my home
I have access to the holy book and its teachings, which I use as guidance to improve my life and my soul.
Taught me how to read
The Bible has taught me how to read and understand its teachings, which I use to enlighten myself and others around me.
Oh Lord, nobody's fault but mine
Through my religious beliefs, I am aware that everything that happens to me is the result of my actions and choices, and that I am responsible for them.
And sister she taught me how to read
I have been fortunate enough to have someone in my life who has helped me learn and understand the Bible's teachings, which has allowed me to improve my spiritual life.
Buddy she taught me how to read
Another person has helped me learn and grow through the teachings of the Bible.
Bible and my soul tonight
I am dedicating myself to studying the Bible and improving my soul in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past.
Ah, no, no, nobody's fault but mine
Once again, I am emphasizing that I am solely responsible for my life and my actions, and that blaming others is not productive.
Got a bible in my home
I am fortunate enough to have the Bible in my home, which is a resource to help me learn and grow.
My sister she taught me to roll
Someone close to me has taught me a specific skill or lesson, which has helped me grow as a person.
Nobody's fault but mine - yeah!
I am reiterating that I am the only one to blame for my actions and my life, and that I need to take responsibility for them.
I got a monkey on my back
I have a burden or obstacle that I am struggling to overcome, which is hindering my progress.
I'll raise my soul to the light
Despite the obstacles I am facing, I am still committed to improving myself and becoming a better person in the eyes of my God and my community.
Whoo!
An expression of enthusiasm and excitement for my personal growth and progress.
Naw.
A casual way of dismissing something, perhaps implying that the artists does not want to talk about it further.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROBERT ANTHONY PLANT, JAMES PATRICK (JIMMY) PAGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind