Meaning of "Born Under a Bad Sign" by Melissa Etheridge

The lyrics of "Born Under a Bad Sign" by Melissa Etheridge capture the despair and hopelessness that can accompany a life marked by adversity and misfortune. The repetition of being "born under a bad sign" signifies a belief that the singer's fate was doomed from the start, leading to a life filled with hardship and struggle. The references to being unable to read or write and being on one's own from a young age emphasize a lack of educational and emotional support, reinforcing the theme of a challenging life trajectory. The mention of craving wine and women as well as a big leg woman carrying the singer to their grave suggests a fatalistic attitude, where pleasure and death are intertwined in the face of unrelenting bad luck. Overall, the song conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance of a life marred by ongoing difficulties and setbacks, with little hope for improvement.