Savoy Brown is a British blues band formed in the 1960s, originally known a… Read Full Bio ↴Savoy Brown is a British blues band formed in the 1960s, originally known as the Saveloy Brown Blues Band. Their 1969 single, Train to Nowhere (with singer Chris Youlden), was viewed by many as the last gasp of the blues scene in Great Britain. Although Savoy Brown never reached much acclaim in their home nation, they developed a loyal core following in the United States. In the 1960s and 1970s, the band managed to penetrate the Billboard Hot 100. Superstardom perpetually evaded them, perhaps in part because of their frequent lineup changes. Indeed, while the band is still active today, only one founding member, Kim Simmonds, has been with the band since the beginning. Guitarist "Lonesome" Dave Peverett, bassist Tony Stevens, and drummer Roger Earl went on to form Foghat. Original member and harmonica player John O'Leary is still active on the British blues circuit with The John O'Leary Band. Savoy Brown's first album, Shake Down, featured lead vocalist Bryce Portius. Portius was one of the first black blues musicians to be a part of a British rock band. Another singer, Dave Walker, would later join Fleetwood Mac and Black Sabbath.

Bad Breaks
Savoy Brown Lyrics

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Oh, I was tough kid, I said I couldn't detain
Did a man and all my friends said I changed
Left that poor room when my money came
But in a while I was on my way back again

Bad breaks follow me all around
Bad breaks won't let up, get me down
Down, down, down

Said you better watch out
Baby, and you better beware
I wait for you to get somewhere
Just when you think that you got it made
Just see this, only leave it in your shame

Bad breaks follow me all around
Bad breaks won't never get me down
Down, down, down, down, down, come on

Bad breaks follow me all around
Bad breaks won't let them, won't let them
Won't let them get me down

Bad breaks follow me all around
Bad breaks won't let them get me down
Bad breaks follow me all around

Bad breaks won't let them get me down
Down, down, down, down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Savoy Brown's song "Bad Breaks" describe a narrator who struggles with constant adversity and misfortune. The first verse speaks of the singer becoming successful but only for a brief period of time before being forced to return to their previous situation. The second verse gives advice to someone else to beware of their own journey as they are likely to encounter bad luck as well. The chorus repeats the phrase "bad breaks" and emphasizes the singer's inability to escape these negative experiences.

The theme of "bad breaks" can be interpreted in several ways. It could represent financial struggles, personal relationships, or even mental health issues. The song suggests that these hardships are cyclical and difficult to escape. The singer's repeated attempts to overcome their challenges are met with little success.

The song's bluesy sound and repetitive lyrics effectively convey a sense of despair and frustration. The guitar riffs and solo in the song capture the pain and struggle of the singer. Overall, "Bad Breaks" is a powerful depiction of the ongoing struggle with adversity and the feeling of being constantly held back by circumstances beyond one's control.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, I was tough kid, I said I couldn't detain
I used to be a rebellious and resilient individual who thought I was untouchable.

Did a man and all my friends said I changed
However, as soon as I obtained some wealth and success, my demeanor changed, and my friends noticed it.

Left that poor room when my money came
I abandoned my humble beginnings and the people who supported me as soon as I became prosperous.

But in a while I was on my way back again
However, my luck didn't last, and soon enough, I found myself back in a bad situation.

Bad breaks follow me all around
Regardless of how much I try to turn my luck around, negative circumstances always surround me.

Bad breaks won't let up, get me down
Even though I face constant obstacles and setbacks, I won't let them bring me down.

Said you better watch out
I am advising you to be cautious and careful in your actions.

Baby, and you better beware
I am emphasizing the importance of being cautious, as I cannot prevent the negative consequences that may arise.

I wait for you to get somewhere
I am watching your progress and waiting for you to achieve your goals.

Just when you think that you got it made
However, I caution you that once you feel you have succeeded, that's when unforeseen troubles may arise.

Just see this, only leave it in your shame
You will quickly realize that you should have listened to my warnings, leaving you only with regret.

Bad breaks won't never get me down
I am confident that no matter how many obstacles I face, I will persevere and rise above them.

Bad breaks won't let them, won't let them
My ability to overcome hardship is not determined by the circumstances I face, but my own resilience and determination.

Bad breaks won't let them get me down
Despite the negative events that occur in my life, I will not be defeated.

Down, down, down, down, down, come on
No matter how much negativity surrounds me, I will continue to stand tall and persevere.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: KIM SIMMONDS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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