Opening: I Can't Turn You Loose
The Blues Brothers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Universal Amphitheatre
Well here it is, the late nineteen seventies, going on 1985
You know so much of the music we here today is preprogrammed electronic disco
You never get a chance to hear master bluesmen practicing their craft anymore
By the year 2006 the music known today as the blues will exist only in the classical records department in your local public library
So tonight, ladies and gentlemen
While we still can let us welcome from Rock Island Illinois
The blues music from Elliot Jake and Elwood Blue, the Blues Brothers




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Blues Brothers' song Opening: I Can't Turn You Loose sets the stage for the performance that the audience is about to witness. The singer, who is likely Jake or Elwood (or both), introduces the venue and the time period - the late 1970s going on 1985. He then laments the prevalence of pre-programmed electronic disco music, which has overtaken the airwaves and left little room for traditional blues music. The singer warns that by the year 2006, blues music will only be found in the classical records department of the local library.


The singer then invites the audience to enjoy the music from the Blues Brothers, who are from Rock Island, Illinois. This introduction serves multiple purposes: it sets the scene, provides context for the performance, and emphasizes the importance of blues music in a world that is slowly losing touch with its roots. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency - the idea that blues music is disappearing and needs to be appreciated while it still exists.


Line by Line Meaning

Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Universal Amphitheatre
Greetings and salutations, listeners! As we gather here at the Universal Amphitheatre, we wish to express our gratitude for your attendance at this event.


Well here it is, the late nineteen seventies, going on 1985
Friends, we find ourselves at the threshold between past and future. As we move forward into the year 1985, we carry with us the music of the late '70s.


You know so much of the music we here today is preprogrammed electronic disco
As we reflect on the current state of the music industry, we recognize that much of what we hear is produced through electronic programming rather than the work of skilled musicians.


You never get a chance to hear master bluesmen practicing their craft anymore
Regrettably, we rarely have the chance to hear true masters of the blues demonstrating their breathtaking musical abilities.


By the year 2006 the music known today as the blues will exist only in the classical records department in your local public library
It is likely that the blues music we know and love may soon fade from mainstream consciousness and be relegated only to historical archives and scholarly collections.


So tonight, ladies and gentlemen
In light of this, we implore you to savor and appreciate the blues music we bring to you tonight.


While we still can let us welcome from Rock Island Illinois
Before it is too late, let us celebrate and embrace the raw, honest music of the Blues Brothers, hailing from Rock Island, Illinois.


The blues music from Elliot Jake and Elwood Blue, the Blues Brothers
Elliot Jake and Elwood Blue, better known as the Blues Brothers, offer a genuine, soulful interpretation of the blues for your enjoyment.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Otis Redding

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@martymcdonough1111

Beautiful! I had this album! Thanks for the posting!

@theautismdudechannel8142

I have this album on my phone

@VRichardsn

Such an infections tune, it grabs you the second it starts. I love it!

@Hydrochoerusisthmius

A bass riff I can listen to for days, months, and years
Healthy tone!

@jasobres

Ironically, I believe I first listened to this record (on vinyl) in 2006!

@Haroldm814

I listened to it on cassette in about 1995. Took it out of my Dad's cassette briefcase and listened on my Fischer Price. He had bought the vinyl when it first came out. Love that record.

@ricklochead1032

saw these guys at the Universal Amphiitheatre. One of their last concerts!

@danielleriggens9445

1980. I bought it on sale at some record store.

@ricklochead1032

I saw these guys at the Universal Ampatheatre in Los Angeles

@ThePrinces-of-rnb

I listened on CD in 2020.

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