I'm Leaving
Journey to Tennessee: John Lee Hooker's Departure Blues
Lyrics
Leaving, going back
Expressing the act of leaving and returning.
down the line
Describing the direction "down the line."
Leaving, going back down the line
Reiterating the departure and return down the line.
You don't treat me right, baby
Indicating dissatisfaction with how the speaker is treated.
Going to Tennessee
Announcing the destination as Tennessee.
Tennessee, here I come
Expressing the intention to go to Tennessee.
Tennessee, that's my home, going back
Emphasizing Tennessee as the speaker's home.
Tennessee
Repeating the decision to go back to Tennessee.
I'm cutting out, cutting out, baby, cutting out
Declaring the speaker's departure decisively.
This morning, baby, oh yeah
Specifying the time of departure (this morning).
Going home, cutting out, oh yeah
Repeating the intention to go home.
Now, baby, you give me a normal line of
Referring to the partner providing insincere or deceptive communication.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the partner's talk.
You told me you'll always be my friend
Recalling a promise of friendship from the partner.
I brought you here, now baby, you done me wrong
Expressing betrayal or wrongdoing by the partner.
I'm leaving, leaving
Reaffirming the decision to leave.
I'm going back down the line, down the line
Repeating the direction of going back down the line.
Oh yes, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, hmmm
Non-verbal expressions indicating emotional turmoil.
When you say, goodbye
Reflecting on the impact of saying goodbye.
When you say, goodbye
Repeating the reflection on the impact of saying goodbye.
Oh baby
Addressing the partner affectionately as "baby."
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