My First Wife Left Me
Heartache Blues: Regret and Redemption in John Lee Hooker's Melody
Lyrics
When my first wife left me, she left my heart in misery
Expresses the pain and emotional distress caused by the departure of the first wife, leaving the narrator in misery.
When my first wife left me, she left my heart in misery
Reiterates the profound impact of the first wife's departure on the narrator's emotional state.
Ever since that day, boy, I don't think I'll ever love again
Reflects on the lasting impact of the separation, indicating a reluctance to open up to love again.
If I can get her back again, I'll never roam no more
Expresses a desire to reconcile with the first wife, promising a commitment to fidelity.
If I get her back again, boys, I'll never roam no more
Reaffirms the commitment to faithfulness, vowing not to wander away if the first wife returns.
I had a good wife, but I did not treat her right
Acknowledges the narrator's failure to treat the first wife properly despite her being a good spouse.
It's my fault--only have myself to blame
Admits responsibility for the relationship's failure, accepting blame for the mistakes made.
It's my fault, it's my fault, boys--I only have myself to blame
Reiterates self-blame, emphasizing that the narrator is solely responsible for the marriage's breakdown.
She would have been home right now if I hadn't wanted every woman that I seen
Attributes the first wife's absence to the narrator's infidelity and pursuit of other women.
I found out one thing: these women don't mean you no good
Shares the realization that some women are untrustworthy, implying a lesson learned from the failed marriage.
I found out one thing, people: these women don't mean you no good
Reiterates the cautionary lesson about the deceitfulness of certain women, possibly based on personal experience.
You mistreated a good girl for some woman--that she'd turn around and turn her back on you
Highlights the consequence of mistreating a good woman for someone less worthy, leading to abandonment.
Yes, yeah
Serves as a vocal expression, possibly indicating a moment of reflection or agreement with the preceding statements.
I'm having bad luck, having bad luck ever since she been gone
Reiterates the narrator's persistent streak of bad luck, linking it directly to the absence of the first wife.
I'm having bad luck, bad luck, bad luck, ever since my baby been gone
Further emphasizes the enduring streak of bad luck, attributing it explicitly to the departure of the narrator's baby.
When she was at home, Lord, I did not treat her right
Expresses regret for not treating the first wife properly when she was at home, acknowledging past mistakes.
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