"My Man's Gone Now" is a song from the 1935 opera "Porgy and Bess" composed by George Gershwin. Julie London's rendition of the song captures the essence of grief and loneliness experienced by the character after losing her loved one. The lyrics depict a woman, presumably widowed, acknowledging the absence of her man and reminiscing about his presence. She recognizes the futility of hoping for his return, hence there is "no use a-listenin'" for his footsteps. She finds solace in the company of "Ol' man sorrow," who seems to haunt her, especially during her prayers and moments of vulnerability. The protagonist accepts the harsh reality that she is now alone and tries to face it by focusing on her work. She perceives herself as a traveler on a journey towards a promised land, yet "Ol' man sorrow" accompanies her every step of the way. The sorrow serves as a constant reminder that she is now old, and her life has changed irreversibly since losing her man. The song portrays the haunting presence of grief, symbolized by the figure of "Ol' man sorrow." He sits by the fireplace, representing her melancholic thoughts and keeps her company through the night. "Ol' man sorrow" repeats the same message throughout the day, emphasizing her solitary state without her man. The song conveys the deep emotional impact of losing a loved one, capturing the profound sense of loss, sorrow, and loneliness. Julie London's powerful interpretation emphasizes the emotional weight of the lyrics and the enduring pain of losing a significant other.
