Who Do You Love
Mystical Love Quest: Bo Diddley's Musical Odyssey
Lyrics
I walk 47 miles of barbed wire,
The speaker is emphasizing a tough journey, possibly through hardships.
I use a cobra-snake for a necktie,
Symbolic imagery suggesting danger or a menacing presence in the speaker's attire.
I got a brand new house on the roadside,
Introduction of a new property, possibly extravagant or unique.
Made from rattlesnake hide,
The construction material of the house, highlighting toughness or danger.
I got a brand new chimney made on top,
Reference to a chimney made from a human skull, adding a macabre element to the setting.
Made out of a human skull,
Continuation of the eerie description of the speaker's surroundings.
Now come on take a walk with me, arlene,
The speaker invites Arlene for a walk, suggesting a desire for companionship.
And tell me, who do you love?
Arlene is prompted to reveal who she loves, implying a romantic or personal inquiry.
Who do you love?
Repetition of the question intensifies the focus on the theme of love and relationships.
Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
-Tombstone hand and a graveyard mine,
Introduction of ominous imagery related to death, emphasizing the speaker's fearless attitude.
Just 22 and I don't mind dying.
The speaker, at a young age, expresses a lack of fear or concern about mortality.
Who do you love?
Reiteration of the question about love, maintaining the central theme.
Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
-I rode around the town, use a rattlesnake whip,
Description of an unconventional mode of transportation with a dangerous element.
Take it easy arlene, don't give me no lip,
Arlene is cautioned not to challenge or oppose the speaker.
Who do you love?
Continued repetition of the question, intensifying the focus on love and its mysteries.
Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
-Night was dark, but the sky was blue,
Introduction of a mysterious and potentially dangerous event in the narrative.
Down the alley, the ice-wagon flew,
-Heard a bump, and somebody screamed,
-You should have heard just what I seen.
-Who do you love?
Reiteration of the question about love, maintaining the thematic consistency.
Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
-Arlene took me by my hand,
Arlene shows understanding, possibly indicating a deepening connection or resolution.
And she said oh bo, you know I understand.
-Who do you love?
Final repetition of the question, underscoring the persistent curiosity about love.
Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
-Who do you love?
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