The song "I'm Leavin' You" by Howlin' Wolf is a blues track that portrays the feelings of heartbreak, disappointment, and frustration in a romantic relationship. The lyrics reveal the protagonist's realization that their partner is not treating them with love and respect, leading them to make the decision to leave. The song opens with uncertainty about when the departure will happen, but the protagonist acknowledges the inevitability of the situation. They express the need to put the woman down and leave because she cannot treat them right. The protagonist recognizes that if they are not being treated well, staying in the relationship is pointless. The lyrics highlight the disappointment and realization that the woman's previous declarations of love were false. The protagonist discovered that the woman did not truly love them, leading to the decision to leave. The repetition of the phrase "I'm leavin' you" emphasizes the protagonist's determination to end the relationship. The chorus captures the protagonist's frustration and emphasizes the lack of value in staying with someone who can't treat them right. The repetition of the phrase "Ain't no use for me hangin' around" reinforces their belief that it is best to leave the relationship. In the second verse, the protagonist describes how the woman's appearance and attitude indicate her mean-spiritedness. Her bloodshot eyes and general demeanor suggest that she is a difficult and unkind person. The protagonist refers to her as a "mean little thing," signifying her untrustworthiness, and the repeated phrase "Still you's a mean little thing" reflects their disappointment in her behavior. Overall, "I'm Leavin' You" tells the story of a person who recognizes their partner's mistreatment and decides to leave the relationship. It showcases the emotions of betrayal, sadness, and determination to find a better situation, common themes in blues music.
