"A Man and The Blues" is a song by American blues guitarist and singer, Buddy Guy. The lyrics describe the struggles and emotions of a man who is haunted by the blues. The song expresses the desperation and frustration that arise from this constant presence of the blues in his life. The lyrics suggest that in order to cope with the blues, the man turns to alcohol as a temporary relief. He drinks a half pint of liquor to drown his sorrows and momentarily escape the blues. However, this is shown to be a futile attempt as the blues continue to follow him around. The song also portrays the man's extreme emotional state. He expresses a desire to drink gasoline, indicating his intense despair and a feeling of being overwhelmed. This showcases the depth of his emotional pain and highlights the desperation he feels. Furthermore, the song touches upon the idea of location and its influence. The man contemplates moving back down south, where the water is described as tasting like cherry wine. This imagery suggests a longing for a more pleasant and soothing environment compared to the harsh reality he faces in his current location. However, even this desire for a change of scenery is met with disappointment as the water in Lake Michigan is said to taste like terpentine – a bitter and unpleasant flavor. This serves as a metaphor for his inability to find solace or escape from the blues regardless of his physical surroundings. Overall, "A Man and The Blues" tells the story of a man grappling with the constant presence of the blues in his life. It delves into his attempts to cope with alcohol, his extreme emotional state, and his yearning for a different environment. Buddy Guy's powerful vocals and soulful guitar playing add depth and emotion to the song, capturing the essence of the blues.
