"Can't Kill The Boogieman" is a song by Eric Burdon, an English singer-songwriter. The song describes his experiences and admiration for the blues musician, John Lee Hooker. The lyrics mention the crazy and lazy days in the UK and how Burdon and his friends used to wear a gang sweatshirt with a political message that encouraged people to dance. He still stands by the idea of using music and dance as a way to make a political statement. When Burdon was 25 years old, he had a profound experience with John Lee Hooker. They traveled together in a GTO car into the heart of a ghetto, where they encountered the hardships and struggles of the people living there. This experience deeply influenced Burdon's understanding of the world and the importance of soulful music. Burdon admires Hooker's ability to convey powerful emotions through his music. He believes that Hooker's music and the blues genre as a whole will always be alive as long as Hooker is around. He emphasizes that the blues cannot be killed or erased, echoing the sentiment that music has an everlasting impact. The song also highlights the energy and captivating presence of Hooker. His shaking hand has a buzz around the room, symbolizing the electrifying effect he has on his audience. Burdon considers Hooker's music to be a form of salvation and encourages listeners to let go, relax, and let the boogie take over. In the end, Burdon reflects on his own journey and how people may not know him as well as they know John Lee Hooker. He realizes that as long as Hooker is alive, the blues will continue to thrive. The song ultimately celebrates the power and resilience of blues music and the enduring legacy of musicians like John Lee Hooker.
