What Can I Do
b.b. kiing Lyrics
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For every woman there`s a man
My baby say she wasn`t put here forever
So she`s gonna get as many as she can
What can I do
Yes, I just sing the blues
Well, I just sing the blues
Well, some people may be wrong sometimes
But they can`t be wrong all the time
Like they say a cat has nine lives
Nine loves has the woman of mine
What can I do
Yes, I just sing the blues
Well, I just sing the blues
`Cause that`s the only thing I know to do
Well, the women are funny these days
They do wrong in so many ways
They`ll have a man twiddling his fingers
Or either drinking his life away
What can I do
Yes, I just sing the blues
Well, I just sing the blues
`Cause that`s the only thing I know to do
In "What Can I Do," B.B. King meditates on the fickleness of love and the pain it can cause. He acknowledges that some people may be wrong in how they love, but ultimately, they are only human. The song's subject matter is particularly relevant to blues music, which is often characterized by its melancholic themes of loss, heartbreak, and emotional turmoil.
Throughout the lyrics, King plays with the idea of love being a double-edged sword. He notes how men and women may be matched up with multiple partners throughout their lives, and this can be either a blessing or a curse. The titular line of the song, "What Can I Do," suggests that King is resigned to his bluesy fate. He can only express his emotions through his music—the thing he knows how to do best.
Overall, "What Can I Do" is a poignant and introspective song that showcases King's signature bluesy sound. By exploring the complexities of love and relationships, King presents a nuanced and relatable portrayal of the human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
People say you love but one at time
People believe that love is exclusive to one person at a time
For every woman there's a man
Every woman has a man meant for her
My baby say she wasn’t put here forever
My significant other believes they won't live forever
So she’s gonna get as many as she can
As a result, she plans to have relationships with as many partners as possible
What can I do
I'm left with feelings of helplessness
Yes, I just sing the blues
I use music as an outlet for my emotions
Well, some people may be wrong sometimes
It's possible for people to make mistakes occasionally
But they can't be wrong all the time
Those same people can't be wrong all the time without ever making the right decisions
Like they say a cat has nine lives
As the saying goes, a cat has nine lives
Nine loves has the woman of mine
In the same way, my significant other has had many relationships
Well, the women are funny these days
Women behave in unusual ways these days
They do wrong in so many ways
They make a lot of mistakes
They'll have a man twiddling his fingers
Their actions will leave a man feeling anxious or nervous
Or either drinking his life away
Or to cope, they may turn to alcohol or other substances
What can I do
I'm still left feeling helpless
Yes, I just sing the blues
So I continue to use music to express my emotions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JULES BIHARI, RILEY B. KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind