Introduction
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is an American blues rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He has released several albums throughout his career, including “Ledbetter Heights,” “Trouble Is…,” and “The Traveler.” One of his most popular songs is “Blue on Black,” which was released in 1997. The song has become a classic among blues rock fans, and its lyrics are often quoted by music lovers.
The Lyrics of Blue on Black
The lyrics of “Blue on Black” are powerful and emotional. The song tells the story of a man who is feeling lonely and lost. He is struggling to find his way in life, and he feels like he has no one to turn to. The lyrics are full of imagery and metaphors, which add depth and meaning to the song.
The song begins with the following verses:
Night falls and I’m alone
Skin, yeah, chilled me to the bone
You turned and you ran
Oh yeah, oh slipped
Right from my hand
These verses set the tone for the rest of the song. The man is alone, and he feels like he has been abandoned by someone he loved. He is cold and scared, and he doesn’t know what to do.
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most memorable part:
Blue on black, tears on a river
Push on a shove, it don’t mean much
Joker on jack, match on a fire
Cold on ice, a dead man’s touch
Whisper on a scream, doesn’t change a thing
Doesn’t bring you back
Blue on black, oh yeah
Blue on black
These lyrics are powerful and poetic. They describe the man’s feelings of sadness and despair, and they also suggest that there is no way to change the situation. The imagery of blue on black is particularly striking, and it adds a layer of complexity to the song.
The Meaning of Blue on Black
The meaning of “Blue on Black” is open to interpretation. Some people believe that the song is about a failed relationship, while others think it is about a person who has lost his way in life. The lyrics are vague enough that they can be applied to many different situations.
One interpretation of the song is that it is about the feeling of being lost and alone. The man in the song has no one to turn to, and he feels like he has no purpose in life. The blue on black imagery could represent the feeling of being stuck in a dark, cold place with no hope of escape.
Another interpretation of the song is that it is about the pain of losing someone you love. The man in the song has been abandoned by someone he cared about deeply, and he is struggling to come to terms with that loss. The blue on black imagery could represent the feeling of being submerged in grief.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s Influence
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is one of the most influential blues rock guitarists of his generation. His music has inspired countless musicians, and his guitar playing is often cited as a major influence by other guitarists. He has won several awards throughout his career, including several Blues Music Awards.
Shepherd’s style is characterized by his powerful, bluesy guitar playing. He often uses a combination of distortion and overdrive to create a thick, full sound that is both melodic and intense. His solos are often breathtaking, and he has a knack for creating memorable riffs and hooks.
Conclusion
“Blue on Black” is a classic blues rock song with powerful lyrics and memorable guitar playing. Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s influence on the genre cannot be overstated, and his music continues to inspire new generations of musicians. Whether you are a fan of blues rock or simply appreciate great music, “Blue on Black” is a song that is sure to move you.
