Cool Drink of Water Blues
Fuel for the Soul: Decoding Tommy Johnson's Cool Drink of Water Blues
Lyrics
I asked for water, and she gave me gasoline
The speaker asked for water, but the response was unhelpful, equating to receiving something harmful, like gasoline.
I asked for water, she gave me gasoline
Repetition of the speaker's request for water and the harmful response of being given gasoline.
I asked for water and she gave me gasoline
Continuation of the theme of seeking water and receiving gasoline, emphasizing the frustration or disappointment.
Lord, Lordy, Lord
Expression of distress or astonishment, possibly in response to the unsatisfactory answer to the request for water.
Crying, Lord, I wonder will I ever get back home
The speaker is crying out, expressing a sense of longing or despair, questioning if they will ever return home.
Crying, Lord, I wonder will I ever get back home
Repetition of the cry for help or understanding, pondering the uncertainty of returning home.
Lord, Lordy, Lord
Expression of distress or astonishment, similar to line 4, emphasizing the emotional weight of the situation.
I went to the depot, looked up on the board
The speaker went to the train depot and checked the schedule or information board.
I looked all over
The speaker searched extensively for information or signs related to the eastbound train.
"How long has this east bound train been gone?
The speaker questions how long the eastbound train has been gone, suggesting a desire to catch the train.
Lord, Lordy, Lord
Expression of distress or astonishment, possibly in response to the realization that the train has already left.
Lord, I asked the conductor, "Could I ride these blinds?"
The speaker asks the conductor for permission to ride the blinds (exterior of the train), indicating desperation or lack of resources.
(Want to know, can a broke man ride the blinds?)
A rhetorical question emphasizing the speaker's financial hardship and whether a broke man can ride the blinds.
"Son, buy your ticket, buy your ticket
The conductor advises the speaker to buy a ticket, implying that riding the blinds without a ticket is not allowed.
'Cause this train ain't none of mine"
The conductor disclaims responsibility for the train, stating it's not under their jurisdiction or control.
"Son, buy your ticket
Repetition of the conductor's advice to buy a ticket, emphasizing the importance of proper procedure.
Train ain't none of mine"
Reiteration of the idea that the train is not the speaker's concern; buying a ticket is the appropriate course of action.
"Son, buy your ticket
Repetition of the conductor's advice, emphasizing the need to purchase a ticket before boarding.
'Cause this train ain't none of mine"
Reiteration that the train is not the speaker's responsibility; buying a ticket is the correct and necessary action.
Lord, Lordy, Lord
Expression of distress or astonishment, possibly reflecting the challenging situation and the speaker's realization of the constraints.
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