Meaning of "Born Under a Bad Sign" by Jimi Hendrix

"Born Under a Bad Sign" by Jimi Hendrix tells the story of someone who has faced a lifetime of bad luck and misfortune. The opening line, "Born Under a Bad Sign, Been down since I began to crawl," sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The phrase "Born Under a Bad Sign" metaphorically suggests that this person was destined to have a life filled with hardship. It implies that their unfavorable circumstances were present from the very beginning of their existence. The repetition of the line emphasizes the inescapability and permanence of this bad luck.

The lyrics further emphasize the narrator's lack of luck by stating, "If it wasn't for bad luck, Wouldn't have no luck at all." This line suggests that the only type of luck the narrator has ever known is bad luck. It implies that their life is devoid of any positive or fortunate experiences. The repeated phrase "If it wasn't for real bad luck" reinforces this notion, highlighting that their misfortune is not simply a result of occasional setbacks but rather a continuous state of adverse circumstances.

The repetition of the line "Been down since I began to crawl" adds a layer of vulnerability to the lyrics. It suggests that the narrator has never experienced an upward trajectory in their life, and that their troubles have plagued them since their earliest days. This line evokes a sense of powerlessness, as the act of crawling symbolizes infancy and dependency.

Overall, the lyrics in "Born Under a Bad Sign" convey a deep sense of resignation and acceptance of one's perpetually unlucky fate. The repetition of phrases and the consistent theme of bad luck throughout the song create a mood of melancholy and despair. The lyrics suggest that the narrator's life has been defined by a lack of fortune and that their circumstances have shaped their identity.