The lyrics depict the singer's belief that he was born under a bad sign, leading to a life of hardship and bad luck. He expresses his struggles and misfortunes through his inability to read and write, relying on hard luck and trouble as his only companions. The song highlights the constant presence of bad luck in his life, leaving him with a sense of hopelessness and a craving for wine, women, and ultimately death.

Meaning of "Born Under a Bad Sign" by William Bell

"Born Under a Bad Sign" by William Bell delves deep into the concept of fate and the impact it can have on an individual's life. The repeated refrain of being born under a bad sign conveys a sense of predestined suffering and challenges that the singer feels he has been facing since the very beginning. The lyrics paint a picture of a life riddled with hardship, from struggles with basic skills like reading and writing to a lack of luck in every aspect. The singer's reliance on wine, women, and a big-legged woman to carry him to his grave further emphasizes his resignation to a life filled with bad luck. This song captures the enduring theme of fatalism and the acceptance of one's circumstances, suggesting that some individuals are destined to face continuous hardships regardless of their efforts to change their fate.