Bad Case of Love

B.B. King's 'Bad Case of Love' is a poignant exploration of the deep emotional turmoil that accompanies unrequited love and heartbreak. The repetitive chorus, 'I got a bad case of love,' underscores the intensity and persistence of the singer's suffering. This phrase, repeated throughout the song, emphasizes the inescapable nature of his pain, likening it to a chronic illness that he cannot shake off. The use of the word 'case' suggests a medical condition, which is further explored in the narrative of the song as the protagonist seeks help from a 'love doctor.'

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's despair and loneliness. He describes his life as filled with misery and sleepless nights, unable to find solace or rest. The visit to the 'love doctor' is a metaphor for seeking a cure for his emotional pain, but instead of finding relief, he is met with a grim prognosis. The doctor’s diagnosis that his heart is filled with misery and that his condition is terminal ('It won't be long before you're six feet deep') adds a layer of fatalism to the song, suggesting that the pain of lost love is something that can consume a person entirely.

B.B. King's soulful delivery and the bluesy instrumentation enhance the song's emotional weight. The blues genre, known for its expression of sorrow and hardship, is the perfect vehicle for this tale of heartache. King's guitar work, characterized by its expressive bends and vibrato, mirrors the anguish in his voice, creating a powerful synergy between the lyrics and the music. 'Bad Case of Love' is not just a song about heartbreak; it is a testament to the enduring human experience of love and loss, and the profound impact it can have on one's life.