When diving into the rich tapestry of American folk music, few songs capture the essence of the genre’s introspective melancholy quite like “Blues Run the Game.”
While many attribute this song to the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel, it is essential to note that the original was penned and performed by Jackson C. Frank, an influential yet tragic figure in the folk scene. However, Simon & Garfunkel’s rendition has left a lasting impact, resonating with audiences and earning its place in music history.
Background of “Blues Run the Game”
Before delving into the Simon & Garfunkel version, it is crucial to understand the creator of the song. Jackson C. Frank, an American folk musician, wrote “Blues Run the Game” in the mid-1960s. His music, characterized by a plaintive voice and haunting lyrics, was greatly admired by Paul Simon, who produced Frank’s eponymous album in England. However, Frank’s career was short-lived, marred by personal tragedies and mental health issues.
Simon & Garfunkel, a folk-rock duo that needs little introduction, have been known for their harmonious vocals and socially conscious lyrics. They recorded “Blues Run the Game” during their early years, and while it was not officially released on their original studio albums, it has appeared on various compilations and live recordings, growing in popularity among folk enthusiasts.
Societal Context
The 1960s were a tumultuous time in American history, marked by civil rights movements, the Vietnam War, and a growing counterculture. Folk music became the voice of a generation seeking change and understanding. “Blues Run the Game” emerged amidst this backdrop, encapsulating the sense of searching and the desire for escapism prevalent among the youth of that era.
Lyrics and Meaning of “Blues Run The Game”
The sheer poetry of “Blues Run the Game” lies in its subtle complexity and universality. The song is a journey through the human condition, a meditation on life’s cyclical nature, and the omnipresence of the blues.
Catch a boat to England baby
Maybe to Spain
Wherever I have gone
Wherever I’ve been and gone
Wherever I have gone
The blues are all the same
Send out for whiskey baby
Send out for gin
Me and room service honey
Me and room service babe
Me and room service
Well we’re living a life of sin
When I’m not drinkin’ baby
You are on my mind
When I’m not sleepin’ honey
When I ain’t sleepin’ mama
When I’m not sleepin’
You know you’ll find me crying
Try another city baby
Another town
Wherever I have gone
Wherever I’ve been and gone
Wherever I have gone
The blues come followin’ down
Livin’ is a gamble baby
Lovin’s much the same
Wherever I have played
Whenever I’ve thrown them dice
Wherever I have played
The blues have run the game
Maybe tomorrow honey
Some place down the line
I’ll wake up older
So much older mama
I’ll wake up older
And I’ll just stop all my trying
Catch a boat to England baby
Maybe to Spain
Wherever I have gone
Wherever I’ve been and gone
Wherever I have gone
The blues are all the same
Source: LyricFind
So the first verse goes:
“Catch a boat to England, baby,
Maybe to Spain
Wherever I have gone
Wherever I’ve been and gone
Wherever I have gone
The blues are all the same.”
Here, Frank speaks to the inescapable nature of sorrow, suggesting that no matter where one goes, the blues follow. It’s not just a geographical journey but also a metaphor for seeking solace in different places and experiences, only to find that some feelings are universal.
“Send out for whiskey, baby
Send out for gin
Me and room service, honey
Me and room service, babe
Me and room service
Well, we’re living a life of sin.”
The reference to whiskey and gin is more than an allusion to self-medication; it’s a nod to the temporary escapes people seek from their troubles. The “life of sin” isn’t a moral judgment but an acknowledgment of the imperfect ways we cope with the blues.
“When I’m not drinking, baby
You are on my mind”
Frank turns inward, addressing the personal nature of the blues. It ceases to be about the external world and becomes about internal struggles – the thoughts and memories we can’t escape even when we try to numb ourselves.
Interpretation of the Song
“Blues Run the Game” has been open to various interpretations over the years. Some see it as a reflection on depression and the feeling of being trapped by one’s own emotions. Others view it as a commentary on the transient nature of happiness and the pursuit of something more fulfilling.
The song’s structure, which follows a repetitive chord progression typical of the blues, mirrors the lyrical content’s theme of inescapability. The gentle, fingerpicked guitar that underscores Simon & Garfunkel’s vocals adds to the song’s introspective mood, inviting listeners to look within themselves.
Legacy of “Blues Run The Game”
Decades after its creation, “Blues Run the Game” remains a poignant piece of the folk music canon. Covered by numerous artists, the song transcends time, speaking to the enduring nature of the human experience. Simon & Garfunkel’s interpretation stands as a testament to their ability to connect deeply with the songs they performed, regardless of origin.
Jackson C. Frank’s legacy, although marred by his tragic life story, shines through in this song. His ability to articulate life’s blues in such a raw and relatable way has inspired countless musicians and listeners. Simon & Garfunkel’s version has brought “Blues Run the Game” to a wider audience, ensuring that its melancholic beauty and profound message will not be forgotten.
“Blues Run the Game” is more than just a song; it is a reflection of life’s inevitable struggles and the shared understanding that sometimes, despite our best efforts, the blues simply run the game.