The song "Who's Been Talkin'" by Howlin' Wolf explores themes of betrayal and heartbreak. The lyrics depict a situation where the narrator's partner, referred to as "my baby," leaves them and takes the train, leaving them feeling abandoned and alone. The first verse sets the scene: the narrator's baby has caught the train and left them. Despite the love the narrator has for their partner, they feel wronged by her actions. In the second verse, it is revealed that the baby bought the ticket for the train journey, emphasizing her desire to leave and distance herself from the narrator. The comparison of the ticket's length to the narrator's right arm suggests that the journey is significant and possibly irreversible. The third verse suggests that there may have been gossip or rumors circulating about the narrator's actions, leading to the baby's decision to leave. The narrator seems hurt that their partner believed these rumors without questioning their intentions. In the fourth verse, the narrator bids farewell to their partner, expressing sadness at seeing them go. Despite the pain caused by the breakup, the narrator still loves their baby and feels responsible for the events that led to the separation. The repeated line, "I'm the causin' of it all," suggests that the narrator believes their own actions played a role in pushing their partner away, possibly through their behavior or choices. Overall, "Who's Been Talkin'" presents a story of lost love, betrayal, and the turmoil experienced by a narrator who feels responsible for the breakup. The lyrics capture the pain and longing felt by the narrator, as they try to make sense of their partner's departure and accept their role in the relationship's downfall.
