"When My Day Comes" is a song by Buddy Guy, a renowned American blues guitarist and singer. The lyrics depict a person looking towards their future as they grow old and face the end of their days. The song starts with the narrator addressing their mother, expressing that when they grow old and their time comes to an end, they don't want to burden their mother with their troubles. They state that they have no need for anyone to bear their burdens as they navigate the challenges of old age. The narrator then uses metaphors to convey their feelings. They compare themselves to a rusting object, suggesting that they may experience physical decline and deteriorate over time. However, they don't want their mother to intervene by "greasing their chain" and try to fix or ease their pain. They recognize that no external help or comfort can truly alleviate their suffering. The song takes a turn when the narrator talks about their dream coming close to a county line. This could represent their impending death or a metaphorical journey towards the end of life. They express gratitude to the good Lord for answering their prayers and bringing a train right on time. This train symbolizes the transition or journey towards the afterlife. The narrator feels relieved that their prayers have been answered, and they trust that their worries will be eased when the train arrives. In the final verse, the narrator asks to be laid beneath a willow tree after they close their eyes. They ask their mother not to shed tears, but instead, let the tree weep for them. The willow tree is often associated with mourning and sadness, and the narrator acknowledges that their departure will be a cause for sadness. However, they urge their mother not to grieve for too long. Ultimately, "When My Day Comes" explores themes of aging, mortality, and acceptance. It conveys a sense of resignation towards the inevitable, acknowledging the existence of pain and suffering in life but finding solace in the belief that their prayers will be answered and their worries eased when their time comes.
