"Crying at Daybreak" is not a song by Howlin' Wolf, it seems to be a combination of the lyrics from his songs "Smokestack Lightnin'" and "Lonesome Day." So, the following explanation is based on the meaning of those two songs: In "Smokestack Lightnin'," the lyrics refer to a train called "Smokestack Lightnin'" that symbolizes a desire for freedom and escape from a difficult and lonesome life. The smokestack light is described as shining like gold, representing the potential for a better future. However, despite this longing for change, the protagonist's cries for help seem to go unheard by their loved one. This could suggest a feeling of loneliness and the lack of emotional support from the person they desire. "Lonesome Day," on the other hand, expresses the melancholy and sadness experienced throughout a long and lonely day. The protagonist feels the weight of their solitude, yearning for someone to listen and understand their pain. They express their frustration in their repeated cry of "Don't you hear me crying?" The combination of these lyrics suggests a continued sense of longing, lamenting the lack of emotional connection with a loved one. The protagonist pleads for the person to pay attention and understand their thoughts and feelings, hoping for an end to the loneliness they experience. Overall, these songs express the themes of longing, loneliness, and the longing for emotional support and understanding.
