Unsuccessful Blues, the Consolation of Lightnin' Hopkins
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“Unsuccessful Blues” Lightnin’ Hopkins, 1949 To state the obvious, one facet of the blues is that it provides consolation for failure and rotten luck. We can all relate even if the particulars may be specific and personal to the musician. In the case of the short but poignant “Unsuccessful Blues” Lightnin’ Hopkins presents a man who has a bad relationship, a bad job and rotten fortune to boot. This song features some wonderful guitar-work and talk-singing setting up the problems at hand with a truly heart-breaking refrain that seems even more lilting as a result of the coarse setup. The protagonist has simple expectations: “I believe I will get lucky one day before I die.”
Unsuccessful Blues, the Consolation of Lightnin' Hopkins
Unsuccessful Blues, the Consolation of…
Unsuccessful Blues, the Consolation of Lightnin' Hopkins
“Unsuccessful Blues” Lightnin’ Hopkins, 1949 To state the obvious, one facet of the blues is that it provides consolation for failure and rotten luck. We can all relate even if the particulars may be specific and personal to the musician. In the case of the short but poignant “Unsuccessful Blues” Lightnin’ Hopkins presents a man who has a bad relationship, a bad job and rotten fortune to boot. This song features some wonderful guitar-work and talk-singing setting up the problems at hand with a truly heart-breaking refrain that seems even more lilting as a result of the coarse setup. The protagonist has simple expectations: “I believe I will get lucky one day before I die.”