Chicken Scratch
Scratching the Blues: Lil' Red & the Rooster's Chicken Scratch Tale
Lyrics
Well Howlin’ Wolf was howlin’ from an old beat up car.
Howlin’ Wolf was singing passionately from an old, rundown car.
When I saw a French rooster scratchin’ on his guitar.
The singer witnessed a French rooster playing a guitar and making scratching sounds.
He said, “Hey Lil’ Red, I’m gonna show you a star.”
The rooster expressed an intention to showcase a star (talent) to Lil' Red.
He said, “Hey Lil’ Red, come and sit with me.
The rooster invited Lil' Red to join him.
They tell me that you come from across the sea.
The rooster heard Lil' Red is from another place and is interested in her background.
And I sure would be delighted if you scratched with me.”
The rooster would be delighted if Lil' Red joined in the scratching (playing music).
And we scratched. Scratch scratch.
Lil' Red and the rooster started playing music together, symbolized by "scratching."
Yea, we scratched. Do the Chicken scratch.
They continued playing music in a style called "Chicken scratch."
'Cause when the itch is overwhelming, you’ve gotta scratch. Scratch it!
Encouragement to respond to overpowering urges by acting upon them.
This little French Rooster wrapped me up in his smile.
The rooster charmed Lil' Red with his smile and music.
As he whispered through his amp, oh, all set to beguile.
He communicated softly through his amplifier, ready to captivate.
He said, I'll show you how to scratch chicken style.""
Expressed a willingness to teach Lil' Red the specific style of playing ("scratch chicken style").
He said, “Hey Lil’ Red, I’m ready to go!
The rooster signaled readiness to depart.
I’ve got an itch in my tail feather and I’m ready to crow!
He felt an urge to perform ("crow") due to excitement or anticipation.
I hear they play the Blues in Columbus, Ohio.""
Mentions the presence of blues music scene in Columbus, Ohio.
Let’s go and scratch. Scratch scratch.
Invitation to engage in musical performance or playing together.
Time to scratch. Do the Chicken scratch.
Encouragement to perform music in the specific style ("Chicken scratch").
'Cause when the itch is overwhelming baby, you’ve gotta scratch. Scratch it!
Reiterating the message of acting upon strong impulses or desires.
When the itch is overwhelming baby, you’ve gotta scratch.
Emphasizing the need to act upon overpowering urges.
When the itch is overwhelming baby, well you’ve gotta scratch.
Repetition emphasizing the necessity to respond to compelling desires.
And when the itch is overwhelming baby, you’ve gotta scratch.
Further emphasis on the idea of acting upon strong urges or impulses.
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