Third Degree
Willie Dixon Lyrics


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Got me accused of peeping, I can't see a thing
Got me accused of petting, I can't even raise my hand
Bad luck, bad luck is killing me

Well I just can't stand no more of this third degree
Got me accused of murder, I ain't harmed a man
Got me accused of forgery, I can't even write my name
Got me accused of taxes, I ain't got a dime
Got me accused of children, and ain't nary one of them was mine





Got me accused of taxes, I ain't got a dime
Got me accused of children, and ain't nary one of them was mine

Overall Meaning

Willie Dixon's song "Third Degree" is an honest portrayal of the difficult times faced by African Americans in the early 20th century. The lyrics depict a series of false accusations made against the singer, ranging from peeping to murder to taxes and children. The repeated refrain of "bad luck is killing me" highlights the sheer helplessness of his situation - he is unable to clear his name or fight back against these accusations.


The first verse refers to the singer being accused of "peeping" and "petting". These are likely sexual accusations made against him, which he denies. The second verse refers to more severe accusations - murder and forgery. Despite being innocent, the singer is unable to convince the authorities of his innocence due to deeply ingrained prejudice and systemic racism. The final verse refers to accusations of tax evasion and paternity, neither of which are true. The use of the phrase "ain't nary one of them was mine" suggests that the singer has been wrongly associated with a group of children, likely due to his race.


Overall, "Third Degree" provides a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by African Americans in the early 20th century.


Line by Line Meaning

Got me accused of peeping, I can't see a thing
I am being falsely accused of spying, even though I am not able to see anything.


Got me accused of petting, I can't even raise my hand
I am being falsely accused of touching someone in a sexual manner, even though I cannot even lift my hand.


Bad luck, bad luck is killing me
I feel like I am plagued by bad luck that is slowly destroying me.


Well I just can't stand no more of this third degree
I am fed up with being interrogated and accused of things that I have not done.


Got me accused of murder, I ain't harmed a man
I am being falsely accused of killing someone, even though I have not caused harm to anyone.


Got me accused of forgery, I can't even write my name
I am being falsely accused of forging a document, even though I am not able to write my own name.


Got me accused of taxes, I ain't got a dime
I am being falsely accused of not paying taxes, even though I do not have any money.


Got me accused of children, and ain't nary one of them was mine
I am being falsely accused of fathering children, even though I have not fathered any of them.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: EDDIE BOYD, WILLIE DIXON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Stephen Allen

Eddie Boyd vocal and piano.

Kenny guitar Allen

yes eddie boyd

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