The song "Hard Luck" by Howlin' Wolf portrays a sense of despair and hardship in the lyrics. The protagonist of the song is a homeless and lonely individual who finds solace in the cold, unforgiving streets. The lyrics convey the protagonist's tragic circumstances, stating that rocks are their pillow, the cold ground is their bed, and the highway is their only home. The narrator expresses their deep longing for death, as they feel hopeless and devoid of any purpose. They lament about their struggles, sometimes crying due to the immense troubles they face. The loss of their mother adds to their pain, as they have no one left in the world to call their own. The narrator seeks solace through religion and prayer, hoping for guidance and assistance during their difficult journey. However, they emphasize that they have nowhere to go but the cold road they are traveling on. This road symbolizes the challenging and unforgiving path they are forced to navigate through life. The lyrics further express the narrator's worries and fears, highlighting their vulnerability and emotional turmoil. They reveal their plans to visit their mother's grave, but even that brings them sadness as there is no tombstone to mark her resting place. Overall, "Hard Luck" showcases the struggles, loneliness, and desperation of the protagonist, painting a poignant and bleak picture of a life filled with hardship and sorrow.
