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Post by resonatorman on Oct 26, 2013 3:55:40 GMT
Hi there, maybe anybody can help me out on this. I can't figure out the meaning of the first verse in Bo Diddley's classic I'm a Man:
Now, when I was a little boy
At the age of five
I had somethin' in my pocket
Keeps a lot of folks alive.
What the heck had he in his pocket to keep whomever alive?? Maybe there's a simple explanation, I don't have a clue.
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Post by Michael Messer on Oct 26, 2013 14:37:34 GMT
Hi resonatorman,
The songs 'I'm a Man' & 'Manish Boy', like so many blues songs, are raps that boast about sexual prowess. 'nuff said.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by resonatorman on Oct 26, 2013 15:31:03 GMT
I know that. But this here is a 5 year old...  |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 26, 2013 16:02:12 GMT
Maybe, but maybe some sort of weapon.
Different song of course, but possibly as in "I reached in my pocket for my shiny '44" - a junior version.
TT
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Post by Michael Messer on Oct 26, 2013 16:02:16 GMT
I met Bo Diddley a couple of times and I think that is exactly what he meant!
Shine On
Michael
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Post by slide496 on Oct 26, 2013 16:24:21 GMT
He may have been precocious as a child for whatever reason. Or he might have been carrying around a pocket flask and drinking alcohol?
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Post by bod on Oct 26, 2013 17:15:41 GMT
I read the '..the age of five...' as part of the "boast" but I also take it to be said in a kind of playfulness, a knowing exaggeration, an over-boast, as it were, that reflects some humour about these kinds of lyrics, but of course that's just how I hear it, might be miles off...
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Post by resonatorman on Oct 26, 2013 18:42:41 GMT
Thanks for all the input and keep them coming!
A .44 is unlikely, maybe a pocket knife?
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