Don't Answer The Door

B.B. King's song "Don't Answer The Door" delves into themes of possessiveness and control within a relationship. The lyrics express a strong desire for exclusivity and privacy, with the narrator instructing his partner not to allow anyone into their home when he is not present. This insistence on isolation extends to family members and even medical professionals, highlighting an extreme level of control and mistrust. The repeated refrain of not wanting a soul around the house underscores the narrator's need to maintain a tight grip on his domestic environment.

The song's narrative is steeped in a sense of paranoia and insecurity. The narrator's distrust is so profound that he even forbids his partner from opening the door for her own sister or mother. This level of control suggests a deep-seated fear of betrayal or intrusion, reflecting a possessive nature that borders on the obsessive. The mention of the partner suffering alone rather than calling a doctor further emphasizes the narrator's prioritization of control over his partner's well-being.

Musically, B.B. King's bluesy style complements the song's themes, with his soulful guitar playing and emotive vocals adding depth to the narrative. The blues genre often explores themes of heartache, struggle, and complex emotions, making it a fitting backdrop for a song about possessiveness and control. King's delivery imbues the lyrics with a sense of urgency and intensity, drawing listeners into the narrator's troubled mindset. The song serves as a poignant exploration of the darker aspects of love and relationships, where affection becomes entangled with control and mistrust.