Statesboro Blues
The Allman Brothers Band Lyrics


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Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low
Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low
You got no nerve baby, to turn Uncle John from your door

I woke up this morning, I had them Statesboro Blues,
I woke up this morning, had them Statesboro Blues
Well, I looked over in the corner baby, and Grandpa seemed to have them too
Well my momma died and left me,
My poppa died and left me,
I ain't good looking baby,
Want someone sweet and kind

I'm goin' to the country, baby do you wanna go?
But if you can't make it baby, your sister Lucille said she wanna go
And I sure will take her

I love that woman, better than any woman I've ever seen
Well, I love that woman, better than any woman I've ever seen
Well, now, she treat me like a king, yeah, yeah, yeah,
I treat her like a doggone queen

Lord wake my momma, turn your lamp down low




Wake up momma, but turn your lamp down low
You got no nerve baby, to turn Uncle John from your door, no!

Overall Meaning

The Allman Brothers Band's song "Statesboro Blues" is a classic blues tune that tells a story of hardship, loss, and desire. The lyrics speak of a narrator who is dealing with the painful losses of both his mother and father, and is struggling to find love and a sense of belonging in the world. He wakes up one morning with the "Statesboro Blues," a feeling of sadness and despair that seems to permeate every aspect of his life. Despite his troubles, however, he remains hopeful, and longs to escape to the countryside and start a new life with someone special.


The song is notable for its powerful vocals, gritty guitar work, and evocative lyrics. The opening lines, "Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low / You got no nerve baby, to turn Uncle John from your door," set the tone for the rest of the song, which is full of vivid imagery and emotional resonance. As the singer sings about his losses and his longing for love, the music builds to a powerful crescendo, capturing the raw energy and passion of the blues.


Overall, "Statesboro Blues" is a timeless example of the blues genre's ability to express the deepest emotions and experiences of life. Through its powerful lyrics and music, the song captures the essence of the human experience, and speaks to listeners across generations and cultures.


Line by Line Meaning

Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low
Asking someone to keep the volume low and be silent.


Wake up momma, turn your lamp down low
Asking someone to keep the volume low and be silent.


You got no nerve baby, to turn Uncle John from your door
Someone is not assertive enough to say no to a person at their doorstep.


I woke up this morning, I had them Statesboro Blues,
Feeling down and sad for no reason.


I woke up this morning, had them Statesboro Blues
Feeling down and sad for no reason.


Well, I looked over in the corner baby, and Grandpa seemed to have them too
Observing someone else who feels as sad and gloomy as you.


Well my momma died and left me,
The singer's mother passed away.


My poppa died and left me,
The singer's father passed away.


I ain't good looking baby,
The singer does not consider himself physically attractive.


Want someone sweet and kind
The singer desires a partner who is loving and caring.


I'm goin' to the country, baby do you wanna go?
Asking if someone wants to join for a trip to the countryside.


But if you can't make it baby, your sister Lucille said she wanna go
Offering a different person to join for the trip.


And I sure will take her
Agreeing to take the alternate person along.


I love that woman, better than any woman I've ever seen
Expressing love for someone who is special and irreplaceable.


Well, I love that woman, better than any woman I've ever seen
Expressing love for someone who is special and irreplaceable.


Well, now, she treat me like a king, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Feeling loved and cherished in the relationship.


I treat her like a doggone queen
The singer treats their partner with the utmost respect and love.


Lord wake my momma, turn your lamp down low
Asking someone to keep it quiet in respect for the singer's mother.


Wake up momma, but turn your lamp down low
Asking someone to keep it quiet and be respectful.


You got no nerve baby, to turn Uncle John from your door, no!
Someone who cannot say no to people, especially family members who always come over unannounced.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Willie McTell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@rb8463

Duane Allman was - simply - one of the greatest slide guitar players who ever lived...taken way too soon.

@Monster12367

He is actually really the only person who could ever truly be considered a great slide guitarist in general, not just the greatest slide guitarist ever.

@georgehoffman4645

Derek trucks is just as good though

@jasonmunoz7285

@@georgehoffman4645 completely agree!

@j.d.schultzsr.9215

Chuck Berry once called Bonnie Raitt "the best slide guitarist." I like to hear Keith, but I'd never argue with Chuck.

@rubyjones7441

Fantastic 😅💜💗💗

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@wolfhaven9312

Massive supergroup... These guys and Skynyrd were my glorious childhood.
God bless Southern Rock!

@lawrencesalamone6154

The absolute best! Hands down!

@jacqemmet1764

duane was just 24 years old

@mbbharley1

Nothing better than Southern Rock and I'm not even from the south!

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