The lyrics describe the singer waking up feeling down and searching for his shoes, indicating he's dealing with the "walking blues." He mentions mistreatment and feeling like dying, but others tell him it's not so bad, although he feels it's the worst feeling he's ever had.

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Meaning of "Walkin' Blues" by R.L. Burnside


The lyrics of "Walkin' Blues" by R.L. Burnside convey a deep sense of melancholy and despair. The repetitive reference to feeling down and searching for shoes represents a classic blues motif of feeling lost and disconnected from life. The singer's mention of mistreatment and not minding dying reflects a sense of hopelessness and resignation, as if life has beaten him down so much that death doesn't seem like a bad option. Despite others telling him that the "walkin' blues" aren't that bad, the protagonist feels like it's the worst feeling he's ever experienced, emphasizing the depth of his pain and sorrow. Overall, the song captures the profound sense of sadness and despair that often characterizes the blues genre, highlighting the struggles and emotional turmoil of everyday life.