Meaning of "St. Louis Blues" by Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry's "St. Louis Blues" portrays a narrative of heartbreak and longing. The repeated line, "I hate to see that evening sun go down," conveys a sense of sadness and despair, emphasizing the feeling of loss the narrator experiences due to the departure of his lover. This line also alludes to a sense of time passing, suggesting that the relationship has come to an end. The lyrics further reveal the narrator's emotional state, as he contemplates the possibility of leaving St. Louis, symbolizing his desire to escape the pain caused by his failed relationship. It highlights the willingness to make a fresh start in an attempt to heal one's heart.

The song also comments on the superficiality of the woman the narrator loves. The lines, "If you didn't have good looks, you wouldn't mean a thing" and "Without the man who loves you, you wouldn't get nowhere, nowhere," explicitly criticize the woman's reliance on her beauty and the materialistic world around her. It suggests that she would be nothing without these external factors, signaling the emptiness of her character and the shallowness of her relationships. This critique serves as a statement against the objectification and devaluation of women solely based on their physical appearance.

Despite the narrator's disappointment and frustration, he openly admits his continued love for the woman, even though she does not reciprocate those feelings. This juxtaposition between unrequited love and emotional resilience adds complexity to the song's meaning. It explores the universal theme of the pain and resilience associated with love, as well as the complexities of human relationships and emotions. The St. Louis blues, depicted as a deep, unshakeable sadness, symbolizes both the emotional state of the narrator and the larger themes of heartache and longing.