Smokestack Lightning is a blues song performed by Howlin' Wolf, a prominent blues singer and guitarist. The song was released in 1956 and has since become a blues classic. The lyrics depict a tale of longing, heartbreak, and desperation. The song opens with the repeated phrase "Whoa, smokestack lightning, shinin' just like gold." The "smokestack lightning" refers to a train, possibly a metaphor for freedom or escape. The train's presence is emphasized by its shining and golden appearance, suggesting hope and possibility. The protagonist of the song is crying out for the attention of his lover. The repeated line "Ah, don't ya hear me cryin'?" conveys his deep emotional pain and longing. He pleads for her attention and asks why she is not responding to his cries. The lyrics continue with questions about the lover's whereabouts, with the singer asking, "Tell me, baby, what's the matter here? Where did ya stay last night?" It becomes evident that the protagonist feels abandoned and hurt by his partner's actions. He further implores the lover to stop their train and let him ride, possibly as a last attempt to reconcile or reconnect. The line "Why don't ya hear me cryin'?" reinforces the protagonist's frustration at not being heard or acknowledged. Towards the end of the song, the protagonist bids farewell, accepting that he will never see his lover again. The line "Never see you no more" suggests a finality to their relationship and the pain he feels as a result. The song ends with the poignant line "Who been here baby since I been gone, a little bitty boy? Girl, be on." It is an acknowledgment that while he was away, his lover may have moved on and found another partner. This further accentuates his sense of loss and heartache. Overall, Smokestack Lightning is a blues song filled with emotional intensity and longing. It portrays the feelings of abandonment, longing, and desperation that can arise from a fractured relationship. The song has resonated with audiences over the years due to its raw and powerful expression of human emotions.
