Murderer's Home Blues
Redemption in Chains: Blind Willie McTell's Tale of Regret and Freedom
Lyrics
I did all I could baby, satisfy your mind
I did everything I could to satisfy you emotionally.
Well I wake up every morning you got me moaning and crying
Every morning, I wake up in distress and sorrow.
Trying to send me to the chain gang, back to the murderers' home
There's an attempt to send me to the chain gang, a place associated with murderers.
I'd have been in a better shape mama, if I'd let that reckless woman alone
I would have been in a better condition if I had avoided a troublesome woman.
Now I'm gonna have to give you my number, 4-11-44
I'm providing my number, perhaps as a commitment or identification.
I'll be there forever, I ain't got no where's else to go
Expressing a commitment to stay forever as there's nowhere else to go.
'Cause I've got to go to the chain gang, back to the murderers' home
Despite the commitment, the mention of going back to the chain gang is repeated.
I'd have been in a better shape mama, if I'd let that reckless woman alone
A repetition of the regret for not avoiding a reckless woman.
He was a mean old judge, wouldn't give me no fine
A judge is described as mean, refusing to impose a fine.
Only thing going to relieve me is old Father Time
Only the passage of time, represented by Father Time, can bring relief.
I got to go to the chain gang, back to the murderers' home
The inevitability of going to the chain gang is emphasized again.
I would have been in a better shape mama, if I'd have let that reckless woman alone
The singer reflects on the consequences of not avoiding a reckless woman.
When I was down in the alley mama drinking that old mean booze and gin
Recalling a period of drinking in an alley, suggesting a troubled past.
Say you better do your running around 'cause you ain't never going to do it again
A warning to engage in activities now because there might not be another chance.
'Cause it leads me straight to the chain gang, down to the murderers' home
Actions leading straight to the chain gang and murderers' home are highlighted.
I'd have been in a better shape mama, if I'd have let that reckless woman alone
Reiterating the regret for not avoiding a reckless woman.
Goodbye everybody here comes the jailer with a key
Announcing the arrival of the jailer, signaling the loss of freedom.
Farewell to freedom I don't want no one to pity me
Expressing a farewell to freedom without seeking pity.
I'm going to the chain gang, down to the murderers' home
Confirmation of heading to the chain gang and the associated hardships.
I'd have been in a better shape mama, if I'd have let that reckless woman alone
Repeating the remorse for not avoiding a reckless woman.
So now bye-bye all you womens this is the last I've got to say
Bidding farewell to all women, indicating a departure from relationships.
Say I'm going on and make my time I'll be a free man some day
Expressing determination to serve time and eventually become a free man.
But I ain't going back to the chain gang, back to the murderers' home
A firm decision not to return to the chain gang and murderers' home.
I'd have been in a better shape baby, if I'd have let that reckless woman alone
Reiterating the belief that avoiding a reckless woman would have led to a better outcome.
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