On the Cooling Board
Lament of Love's Departure: Blind Willie McTell's Soulful Tale
Lyrics
Undertaker, undertaker, please take it slow
Request to the undertaker to proceed slowly with the funeral procession.
You're takin' the one I love, won't bring her back no
Expressing sorrow that taking a loved one away won't bring them back.
More
Emphasizing the finality of death, implying that there's no return.
Don't a man feel bad, when his baby's on the coolin'
Expressing the sadness a man feels when his significant other is on the cooling board (preparation for burial).
Board
Reiterating the emotional pain when someone dear is laid out for burial.
Don't a man feel bad, when the hearse pulls up to his
Highlighting the emotional distress when a hearse arrives at one's door.
Door
Continuing the theme of grief and loss associated with death.
Undertaker, undertaker, don't drive so fast
Asking the undertaker to drive slowly, possibly to prolong the journey or delay the inevitable.
Seem like every minute going to be my last
Expressing the feeling that every passing minute might be the last, reflecting the anticipation of death.
I tried to help her, people, I did all that I could
Describing efforts to help the loved one, acknowledging the difficulty in saving them.
One out of a million who meant me any good
Reflecting on the rarity of people who genuinely meant well, emphasizing the loss of someone valuable.
When I walked up to her bedside, her breath was gettin'
Describing the scene at the bedside where the loved one is nearing the end of life.
Low
Expressing the critical condition of the loved one as their breath becomes faint.
She looked at me and said, "Honey, I can't love you no
Quoting the loved one expressing an inability to love anymore, likely due to imminent death.
More"
Revealing the emotional impact of hearing the loved one declare an end to their affection.
My heart struck sorrow, my tears falling down
Describing the personal sorrow and grief as tears fall while witnessing the loved one's decline.
Watching my baby settled into the ground
Depicting the heartache of watching the loved one being buried.
Said I walked up to where they're throwing dirt in Ella's
Describing the emotional turmoil as the singer approaches the moment of burial.
Face
Expressing a desire to take the place of the deceased in the grave, revealing intense grief.
Wanted to jump into her grave and take her place
Expressing a realization that the loved one is truly gone, and the singer won't see them again.
I realize I won't see my girl again
Swearing that the love for the departed was genuine and emphasizing the deep friendship they shared.
Swear to God I loved her, she was my only friend
Expressing the depth of love and the profound loss of the only friend.
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