How Long Blues

John Lee Hooker's 'How Long Blues' is a poignant exploration of heartache and longing, encapsulated in the imagery of a train station. The song opens with the protagonist standing at the station, feeling a deep, aching pain in his heart as the train departs. This train symbolizes the departure of a loved one, leaving the protagonist in a state of sorrow and yearning. The repeated question, 'How long, oh, baby how long?' underscores the uncertainty and endless waiting that accompanies lost love.

The lyrics further delve into the protagonist's desperation and desire to reunite with his beloved. He wishes he could 'holler like a mountain jack' and call his baby back, illustrating his intense longing and the lengths he would go to bring her back. The mention of seeing 'the green grass, growin' up on the hill' contrasts with the inability to see 'a green-black drawin' on a dollar bill,' perhaps suggesting that while life continues and nature flourishes, his personal world remains stagnant and devoid of joy without his loved one.

John Lee Hooker's blues style, characterized by its raw emotion and simple yet powerful lyrics, amplifies the song's themes of heartache and longing. The repetitive structure of the song mirrors the cyclical nature of the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, trapped in a loop of sorrow and hope. 'How Long Blues' is a testament to Hooker's ability to convey deep emotional truths through his music, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love.