Blues in D
Love's Dilemma in Blues: Kate & Anna McGarrigle's Poignant Tale
Lyrics
My daddy came to see me
Her father came to visit her.
He came all dressed in black
He was dressed in black, possibly signifying a somber or serious occasion.
He said, "Katie dear,
Her father addressed her affectionately as "Katie dear."
You know I want you back"
He expressed a desire for her to come back into his life.
Oh no, oh no, oh no
Repetition of "Oh no" suggests a reluctance or resistance to the idea.
"You know I want you back again
Her father emphasizes his desire for her to return, unable to bear being alone.
You know I can't stand to live alone"
He communicates his difficulty in living alone.
I got up from my bed
She got up from her bed, possibly indicating a physical or emotional distance.
Jumped back from the cold
She reacted to something, jumping back from the cold, possibly a metaphor for a harsh reality.
Said "You're looking good"
She complimented her father, saying he looks good.
And I said "I'm feelin' old"
She admitted feeling old, possibly reflecting on the passage of time.
Oh no, oh no, oh no
Repetition of "Oh no" may indicate a sense of inevitability or resignation.
I'll give you silver, give you gold
Her father offers material possessions—silver and gold—to win her back.
I'll give you anything your little hand can hold
He is willing to provide anything she desires.
He came back on the Friday
Her father returns on a different day (Friday) dressed in brown, suggesting a change or variation.
He came dressed in brown
He is now dressed in brown, altering the mood or context.
He said "Tell me now,
He seeks clarification on their relationship, posing a metaphorical question about swimming or drowning.
Well do I swim or do I drown?"
Repetition of "Oh no" suggests a reluctant acceptance of the situation.
Oh no, oh no, oh no
She acknowledges the necessity of saying yes to avoid disappointing him.
You know I had to say yes
She agrees to his request, possibly out of a sense of duty or compassion.
Because I couldn't let that poor boy down.
She couldn't let her father down, indicating a sense of responsibility or obligation.
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