The lyrics of "Milkcow's Calf Blues" revolve around the speaker's frustration with his milkcow, which isn't producing milk for her calf. He expresses concern for the hungry calf and his own desire to milk the cow, but she seems to be avoiding him due to being pursued by another bull cow.

Meaning of "Milkcow's Calf Blues" by Robert Johnson

"Milkcow's Calf Blues" is a blues song that uses the metaphor of a milkcow and her calf to depict themes of neglect, betrayal, and unrequited desire. The speaker's frustration with the milkcow not providing milk for her calf can be seen as a representation of someone failing to meet their responsibilities or obligations. The idea of the milk turning blue can symbolize corruption or decay in the relationship between the speaker and the milkcow. The mention of the cow rambling for miles around and troubling another bull cow in town can be interpreted as the milkcow being unfaithful or disloyal, leading to the speaker feeling abandoned and rejected. Overall, the lyrics convey feelings of longing, disappointment, and abandonment in a relationship.