Busted
Financial Struggles and Broken Dreams: Ray Charles' Busted
Lyrics
Yeah
Expression of affirmation or agreement
Oh, no, no, no
Emphatic denial or refusal
Well, I know
Introduction to the singer's awareness
Yeah, my bills are all due and the baby needs shoes
Acknowledgment of financial responsibilities
But I'm busted
Admission of being financially "busted" or broke
Cotton is down to a quarter a pound
Reference to low cotton prices affecting income
But I'm busted right now
Reiteration of current financial difficulties
I got a cow that went dry and a hen that won't lay
Description of agricultural challenges
A big stack of bills that gets bigger each day
Highlighting accumulating bills
The county's gonna haul my belongings away
Anticipation of losing possessions due to debt
'Cause I'm busted right now
Confirmation of current financial hardship
Oh, yes, I am
Reiteration of emotional distress
Well, I went to my brother to ask for a loan
Seeking financial help from a family member
'Cause I was busted
Reiteration of being broke
I hate to beg like a dog without his bone
Expression of reluctance in seeking help
But I'm busted, I'll tell ya
Confirmation of the singer's financial state
My brother said, "There ain't a thing I can do
Brother's inability to provide assistance
My wife and my kids are all down with the flu
Explanation of family's health issues
And I was just thinking about calling on you
Consideration of the singer's own troubles
'Cause I'm busted myself"
Confirmation of brother's financial struggles
Well, that's what he told me
Confirmation of the brother's statement
Yeah, I am no thief, but a man can go wrong
Denial of criminality despite financial struggles
When he, he's busted
Acknowledgment of depleted food supplies
The food that we canned last summer is gone
Reiteration of current financial struggles
And I'm busted right now
Confirmation of being broke
Well, the fields are all bare and the cotton won't grow
Description of agricultural challenges
Me and my family got to pack up and go
Decision to relocate due to financial difficulties
I'll make a living, where I don't know
Uncertainty about future livelihood
'Cause I'm busted today
Confirmation of current financial hardship
Y'all know I'm broke
Assertion of financial destitution
I ain't got no money
Emphasis on lack of money
I'm talkin' 'bout empty pockets
Reference to empty pockets, reinforcing financial hardship
Ah, forget it
Expression of frustration or resignation
Ah, to hell with it
Expression of disregard or frustration
Yeah
Final affirmation of financial difficulties
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