Where She Used To Lay

Lightnin' Hopkins' song 'Where She Used To Lay' is a poignant exploration of heartache and longing. The lyrics convey a deep sense of loss and emotional turmoil, as the narrator grapples with the absence of a loved one. The repeated references to the 'morning train' suggest a hope that the loved one might return, but also a recognition of the painful reality that they are gone. This imagery of the train is a common metaphor in blues music, symbolizing both departure and the faint hope of reunion.

The song's emotional core is encapsulated in the lines where the narrator describes kissing the pillow where his loved one used to lay. This act of kissing the pillow is a powerful metaphor for the intimacy and connection that once existed, now replaced by a void. The physical act of kissing the pillow underscores the depth of the narrator's longing and the tangible sense of loss. The repetition of this imagery throughout the song emphasizes the persistent and haunting nature of his grief.

Lightnin' Hopkins, known for his raw and emotive blues style, uses his music to convey universal themes of love, loss, and longing. His distinctive guitar playing and soulful voice add layers of emotion to the lyrics, making the listener feel the weight of his sorrow. 'Where She Used To Lay' is a testament to Hopkins' ability to translate personal pain into a shared human experience, resonating with anyone who has experienced the ache of missing someone they love.