3:12
single, 1953
Written by Muddy Waters
A tight showcase of classic Chicago blues at its most classic. The song takes the Delta roots Waters came from, with its straightforward, weather-worn lyrics and a loping groove, and adds electric guitar, pounding piano, and bending, gusty harmonica lines that act as an urgent, answering vocal to Waters' bellow. The rhythm section is steady but driving, keeping everything anchored so Muddy’s voice can ride the storm. His vocal is raw but commanding, equal parts lament and resilience: "Well, don't your house look so lonesome? / When your baby packed up to leave." By the way, this song is probably where Dylan lifted "Don't the sun look lonesome?" line in "It Takes a Train To Cry" — although it also appears in a traditional song called "Roll On, John" (not the Tempest song).
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