About the song
Released in 1967 as the title track of his landmark album, “Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King remains a blues classic revered for its raw emotion and influential guitar work. The song, penned by Booker T. Jones and William Bell, encapsulates the hardships of a life marked by misfortune, a theme resonant in King’s own journey from poverty to prominence in the blues world.
The gritty vocals and King’s signature Gibson Flying V guitar define the track, blending soulful blues with a driving rhythm that underscores its narrative of struggle and resilience. “Born under a bad sign, been down since I began to crawl” epitomizes the enduring blues sentiment of fate’s cruel hand, making it a poignant anthem for those familiar with life’s adversities.
Socially, the song became a touchstone in blues music, influencing countless artists across genres and highlighting King’s role in shaping modern blues guitar. Its impact extends beyond music, embodying themes of perseverance amidst hardship that resonate universally.
“Born Under a Bad Sign” stands as a testament to Albert King’s enduring legacy in blues and soul, celebrated for its emotive power and enduring relevance in the landscape of American music.
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Lyrics
Born under a bad signBeen down since I begin to crawlIf it wasn’t for bad luckYou know I wouldn’t have no luck at allHard luck and trouble is my only friendI’ve been on my own ever since I was tenBorn under a bad signBeen down since I begin to crawlIf it wasn’t for bad luckYou know I wouldn’t have no luck at allI can’t read, haven’t learned how to writeMy whole life has been one big fightBorn under a bad signI been down since I begin to crawlIf it wasn’t for bad luckI say I wouldn’t have no luck at allI ain’t no lyin’You know if it wasn’t for bad luckI wouldn’t have no kinda luckIf it wasn’t for real bad luckI wouldn’t have no luck at allYou know, wine and women is all I craveA big-legged woman is gonna carry me to my graveBorn under a bad signI been down since I begin to crawlIf it wasn’t for bad luckI tell I wouldn’t have no luck at allYeah, my bad luck boyBeen havin’ bad luck all of my days, yes