"Bo Diddley Special" is a song by Eric Burdon, paying tribute to the influential American musician Bo Diddley. The lyrics honor Bo Diddley's musical legacy and express goodbye and appreciation for his impact. The song starts with the lines "Ashes to ashes and dust to dust, If the women don't get you, Bo Diddley must." This suggests that Bo Diddley's music had a powerful effect on people, potentially even overpowering romance or other distractions. The next verse refers to two ships passing in the night, symbolizing missed opportunities or a lack of connection. Despite not meeting eye to eye, Burdon expresses gratitude for the gift of Bo Diddley's music and uses the song as a way to say goodbye. Throughout the song, Burdon reminisces about Bo Diddley's life and career, highlighting his iconic guitar skills and the rhythm and blues sound he brought wherever he performed. Bo Diddley traveled from Mississippi to Tokyo, leaving a lasting impact on people, including Burdon. The chorus emphasizes that Burdon is "riding on that Bo Diddley special" and "riding on that Bo Diddley line." This likely refers to the influence and inspiration Bo Diddley had on Burdon's own music and career. The lyrics also mention how Bo Diddley came into Burdon's life like a "big freight train," leaving a lasting impression. The mention of blowing the house down refers to the strength and power of Bo Diddley's music. The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus and a farewell to Bo Diddley, acknowledging that while he may be gone, his spirit lives on through his music. The final verse adds some humorous anecdotes about Bo Diddley's unique appearance and personality, highlighting his individuality and eccentricity. Overall, "Bo Diddley Special" is a heartfelt tribute to Bo Diddley, celebrating his musical legacy and the impact he had on Eric Burdon and the world of music.
