Coal Black Mattie
The Black Keys Lyrics
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Fool got drunk, close that door
Coal black Mattie ain't got change in clothes
Goin' to Memphis, see that world fair
Reason I'm going, 'cause my baby's there
Goin' to Memphis, see that world fair
Need no heater fireplace by my bed
Woman, I got cherry red
Need no heater fireplace by my bed
Poor black Mattie ain't got change in clothes
Fool got drunk, close that door
Coal black Mattie ain't got change in clothes
The song "Coal Black Mattie" by The Black Keys is a bluesy lament about a woman named Mattie who is destitute and lacks even the basic necessities of life. The repeated line "Poor black Mattie ain't got change in clothes" underscores her poverty and struggles in life. The reference to her being "coal black" suggests that Mattie is a dark-skinned woman, and the fact that she lacks clothing could be seen as a metaphor for how she lacks social status and the means to improve her condition.
The song takes a turn when the singer states that he is going to Memphis to see the world fair because his baby is there. This suggests that there is a glimmer of hope in his life, and that he hopes to find a better life and future with his loved one. The line "Need no heater fireplace by my bed/Woman, I got cherry red" could be interpreted as a reference to the passionate love the singer has for his partner, and how it warms him even more than a physical source of heat.
Line by Line Meaning
Poor black Mattie ain't got change in clothes
Mattie is impoverished and cannot afford a wardrobe
Fool got drunk, close that door
Someone is drunk and needs to be removed from the premises
Coal black Mattie ain't got change in clothes
Mattie is still impoverished and has no new clothing
Goin' to Memphis, see that world fair
Traveling to Memphis to experience the World's Fair
Reason I'm going, 'cause my baby's there
I'm going to Memphis to be with my love
Goin' to Memphis, see that world fair
Once again expressing excitement to see the World's Fair in Memphis
Need no heater fireplace by my bed
I don't need a heater or fireplace to feel warm because of the love in my life
Woman, I got cherry red
I have a cherry red-loving woman in my life
Need no heater fireplace by my bed
Reiterating that love keeps me warm and satisfied in life
Poor black Mattie ain't got change in clothes
Once again acknowledging that Mattie is still struggling financially
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Ranie Burnette
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mortennygaard5317
wow 😀👍
@maxrei
Hell yeah, hopefully the RL Burnside estate is getting some well deserved royalties
@danfugate5943
Hope so
@Altenurgy
I bet they are.
@american76
amen to that!
@nightmathzombieethan
Hell yeah, I hope!
@mczensun8610
Why wouldn't they
@baptistedargaud5649
This is the black keys we love !
@the2ndcoming135
“I been knew that.”🙎🏻♂️
@MrBeerfix
Can no longer say, "yeah, I liked their old stuff"