Born in Chicago
Born in Chicago: A Blues Tale of Loss, Friendship, and Survival
Lyrics
Well, I was born in Chicago back in 19 and 41
Reflects the artist's birth in Chicago in 1941.
I was born in Chicago back in 19 and 41
Reiterates the artist's birthplace and year.
Well, my father told me
His father's advice to be cautious and prepared for danger.
Son, you had better get a gun!
Suggests a need for self-defense, potentially due to the environment or circumstances.
Well, my first friend went down when I was 17 years old
Refers to the loss of a friend at the age of 17.
Well, my first friend went down when I was 17 years old
Reiterates the loss of a friend at 17.
Well, there's one thing you can say 'bout that, boy
Implies that despite the loss, the friend gained something valuable (symbolized by "gold").
He got gold
Emphasizes the valuable outcome or gain despite the friend's demise.
My second friend went down when I was 21 years old
Indicates the loss of another friend at 21 years old.
Well, my second friend went down when I was 21 years old
Reiterates the loss of a friend at 21.
There's one thing you can say 'bout that, boy
Despite the loss, this friend gained something valuable ("bread" - possibly implying wealth or success).
He got bread
Highlights the gain or success of the friend despite their demise.
Well, the blues's all right when there's someone left to play the game
Suggests that experiencing the blues (sadness or hardship) is acceptable as long as there are others enduring similar experiences.
Well, the blues's all right when there's someone left to play the game
Reiterates the acceptability of feeling the blues when others share similar struggles.
All my friends are going
States that all of the artist's friends are departing or facing challenges.
And things just don't seem the same
Expresses a sense of loss or change due to the departure of friends, leading to a feeling of things being different.
No, things just don't seem the same, babe
Reiterates the sentiment that things have changed and don't feel the same anymore.
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