I Don't Know
Unraveling Love's Mysteries: Willie Mabon's Musical Tale
Lyrics
I'm gettin' sick and tired of the way you do
I'm getting tired of your behavior
Good kind papa got to poison you
A good man like me has to endure your harmful actions
Sprinkle goofer dust all around your bed
Using magical dust around your bed to harm you
Wake up one of these mornings, find your own self dead
A warning that one day you'll wake up and find yourself dead
She said, You shouldn't say that
She responds disapprovingly to the speaker's words
I said, what should I say this time, baby
The speaker questions what he should say to avoid conflict
She says, mmmm, I don't know, my oh my oh my
Expressing confusion or uncertainty
I don't know, what my baby puttin' down
Uncertain about the actions or intentions of the speaker's partner
The woman I love, she's got dimples in her jaws
Description of the physical attributes of the woman the speaker loves
The clothes she's wearin' is made out of the best of cloths
Detailing the quality of the woman's clothing
She can take and wash them, she can hang 'em upside the wall
Ability to take care of her possessions
She can throw 'em out the window
An exaggerated scenario indicating the woman's capabilities
And run out and catch 'em a little bit before they falls
Highlighting the woman's skill and agility
Sometimes I think you got your habits on
Implying that the woman has peculiar behaviors or habits
She said, You shouldn't say that
She disapproves of the speaker's comment
I said, What should I say to make you mad this time, baby
Speaker's attempt to provoke a reaction
She says, mmmm, I don't know, my oh my oh my
Expressing uncertainty or confusion
I don't know, what my baby puttin' down
Uncertain about the partner's actions or feelings
My papa told me, my mother sat down and cried
Parents expressing concern about the speaker's relationships
Say, You're too young a man, son, to have the many women you got
Advising the speaker against having multiple relationships
I looked at my mother then, I didn't even crack a smile
Speaker's lack of concern about the consequences of his actions
I say, If the women kills me, I don't mind dyin
Indifference towards potential harm from relationships
The woman I love, I won the week before last
Recent success in winning the affection of a woman
The woman I love I've got out of class
Having a romantic partner who is educated or refined
I thought I won you, baby, a long time ago
Uncertain about the commitment of the loved one
If you don't watch your step, I'm gonna have to let you go
A warning about the consequences if the partner doesn't behave
She said, You shouldn't say that
Provoking a response from the partner
I say, What did I say to make you mad this time, baby
Speaker's inquiry about the cause of the partner's anger
She says, mmmm, I don't know, I don't know
Expressing uncertainty or confusion
I don't know what my baby puttin' down, puttin' down
Uncertain about the partner's actions or feelings
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