I Ain't Superstitious
Wolf Howlin Lyrics
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Well, I ain't superstitious, but a black cat just crossed my trail
Don't sweep me with no broom, I might get put in jail
When my right hand itches, I gets money for sure
When my right hand itches, I gets money for sure
But when my left eye jumps, somebody's got to go
Well, I ain't superstitious, black cat just crossed my trail
Don't sweep me with no broom, I just might get put in jail
Well, the dogs are howlin', all over the neighborhood
Whoa, the dogs are howlin', all over the neighborhood
That is true sign of death, baby, that ain't no good
Well, I'm not superstitious, but a black cat up n' cross my trail
Well, I'm not superstitious, a black cat up n' cross my trail
Don't sweep me with no broom, I just might get put in jail
Bad luck for me
The song "I Ain't Superstitious" by Howlin' Wolf is about the singer's belief that he is not superstitious although he acknowledges the presence of superstitions in his life. In the first and second stanzas, the singer talks about how a black cat just walked across his path, a common superstition in many cultures, and the fear of being swept with a broom. He mentions that his right hand itches signify that he will receive money, another common superstition. On the other hand, when his left eye jumps, he claims that it represents the death of someone close to him.
The third stanza builds up the theme of superstition as the singer mentions that the howling of dogs is a sign of impending death. Nonetheless, he reiterates his belief that he is not superstitious. In the last stanza, the singer reinforces that he is not superstitious despite the black cat crossing his path as it is a common occurrence in his life. However, he reiterates that being swept with a broom might land him in jail.
Overall, the song "I Ain't Superstitious" is a subtle exploration of superstitions that feature in the daily lives of people. The singer acknowledges the presence of superstitions but also tries to strike a balance between these beliefs and his own beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I ain't superstitious, black cat just crossed my trail
I don't believe in superstitions, but I just saw a black cat cross my path
Don't sweep me with no broom, I might get put in jail
Don't sweep me with a broom, it's a superstition that might bring bad luck and get me in trouble with the law
When my right hand itches, I gets money for sure
When my right hand itches, I believe I'll receive money soon
But when my left eye jumps, somebody's got to go
When my left eye twitches, I believe it's a sign that someone will soon leave or die
Well, the dogs are howlin', all over the neighborhood
The dogs are howling loudly in the neighborhood, which is believed to be a bad omen
That is true sign of death, baby, that ain't no good
The dogs howling is a true sign of death, which is not a good thing
Well, I'm not superstitious, a black cat up n' cross my trail
I don't believe in superstitions, but a black cat just crossed my path
Bad luck for me
Seeing the black cat may bring bad luck for me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Willie Dixon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@IndiGeaux
Well, I ain't superstitious, black cat just cross my trail
Well, I ain't superstitious, oh the black cat just cross my trail
Don't sweep me with no broom, I might get put in jail
When my right hand itches, I gets money for sure
When my right hand itches, I gets money for sure
But, when my left eye jumps, somebody's got to go
Well, I ain't superstitious, black cat just cross my trail
Well, I ain't superstitious, black cat just cross my trail
Don't sweep me with no broom, I just might get put in jail
Well, the dogs are howlin', all over the neighborhood
Whoa, the dogs are howlin', all over the neighborhood
That is true sign of death, baby, that ain't no good
Well, I'm not superstitious, blow that black cat across my trail
Well, I'm not superstitious, a black cat across my trail
Don't sweep me with no broom, I just might get put in jail
That's bad luck for me
@eddie7664
Been a Megadeth fan for 35 years and never listened to the original until now...great stuff
@darienhockley2084
There's a Megadeth version???
@peacesells3208
@Darien Hockley yes, in peace sells but who's buying. here it's https://youtu.be/9YN4vBsiN2w
@christressel9952
I just bought this vinal from a vinal record and headshop. Also have 8 Megadeth album ans M.D 45
@kathreptis
@Darien Hockley How you don't know about it?
@joshhamon1205
Interesting I'll have to check it out
@jerrysavage8607
This dude was singing way before I was born, but I love his music. One of the greatest blues singers in the history of blues.
@mickfoil
Thanks so much for putting up the original version - This is the version of this track that I've always loved. Tight lyrics, killer groove, and Howlin' Wolf - pure blues. Many thanks!
@Tombombadillo999
The wolf is the definition of blues. He had the biggest soul.
@kurtbuchholz920
You’re damn right! Muddy and B.B.deservedly get serious accolades, but I think the Wolf was the baddest of them all.
The women I talk to said he had a primal sex appeal, and the guys all know was a bad MF. But reportedly the sweetest guy, too. One of a kind.