Miss Eloise, Miss Eloise
Troubled Numbers: John Lee Hooker's Tale of Love, Hard Work, and Racing
Lyrics
Well, I gotta leave my baby, now
Expressing the need to part ways with the speaker's significant other.
'Cause she won't leave these numbers 'lone
Indicating that the partner is obsessed with numbers, possibly gambling or playing the lottery.
Well, I gotta leave my baby, now
Reiteration of the decision to leave due to the partner's preoccupation with numbers.
'Cause she won't leave these numbers 'lone
Re-emphasizing the partner's persistent involvement with numbers as a reason for separation.
She keep me worried and bothered, Lord
Describing the emotional impact of the partner's behavior, causing worry and distress.
And troubled all the time
Highlighting the continuous trouble and turmoil caused by the partner's actions.
Lord, I work hard ev'ryday
Stating the speaker's commitment to hard work on a daily basis.
And my baby, she won't let me be true
Expressing frustration as the partner interferes with the speaker's ability to be faithful.
Well, I work hard ev'ryday, people
Reiterating the speaker's daily work routine and the partner's hindrance to faithfulness.
My baby just won't let me be true
Emphasizing the partner's persistent interference with the speaker's commitment to being true.
My baby don't do nothin'
Describing the partner's lack of productive activities, focusing on playing the races instead.
But play the races all the time
Further highlighting the partner's exclusive engagement in gambling activities.
My baby plays five-forty-two
Specifically mentioning a race, possibly indicating a particular form of gambling or lottery.
Here come, five-forty-nine
Referring to the results of the race, with numbers 542 and 549.
My baby told me this mornin'
Quoting the partner mentioning her father leaving, implying the speaker's departure.
Said, now her daddy go
Expressing the partner's acknowledgment of the speaker's departure.
God knows, God knows
Adding an emotional touch, emphasizing the partner's realization of the absence.
I wasn't there no more
Stating that the speaker is no longer present, reinforcing the separation.
I say, ooh
Expressing the speaker's emotional response to the partner's actions.
Baby, how could I get 'ware, to the way you do
Pleading or questioning how the speaker could become aware of the partner's behavior.
Well, I decided I would start workin'
Deciding to focus on work, but the partner continues with the number-related activities.
My babe won't leave these numbers 'lone
Reiterating the partner's persistent involvement with numbers despite the speaker's decision to work.
No, she won't
Reaffirming the partner's unwillingness to stop engaging with numbers.
Goodbye baby, gotta let you go
Saying goodbye to the partner, acknowledging the need to let go due to the number-related issues.
You won't leave these numbers, oh Lord
Highlighting the partner's continued attachment to numbers, reinforcing the speaker's decision to leave.
Leave, leave these numbers alone
Repeating the plea for the partner to leave the numbers alone.
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