Can't Get No Grindin' (What's The Matter With The Meal)

Muddy Waters' song "Can't Get No Grindin' (What's The Matter With The Meal)" is a powerful blues track that delves into themes of frustration and hardship. The repeated refrain, "What's the matter with the mill? Done broke down," serves as a central metaphor for the obstacles and setbacks that people face in their daily lives. The mill, a crucial tool for grinding corn, symbolizes the essential mechanisms in life that, when broken, cause significant disruption and distress. This imagery is particularly poignant in the context of the rural and agricultural settings that Muddy Waters often drew inspiration from, reflecting the struggles of working-class individuals who depend on such tools for their livelihood.

The lyrics also touch on themes of betrayal and mistrust, as seen in the lines, "Some people said that a preacher won't steal, I got one down in my corn field." This suggests a sense of disillusionment with figures of authority or trust, who are expected to uphold moral standards but instead contribute to the protagonist's woes. The mention of weevils in the cornfield further amplifies the sense of pervasive trouble, as these pests represent another layer of difficulty that complicates the protagonist's efforts to sustain themselves.

Muddy Waters' delivery of these lyrics, combined with his signature blues sound, underscores the emotional weight of the song. The repetitive structure of the verses and the chorus mirrors the cyclical nature of struggle and the feeling of being trapped in a relentless loop of problems. This song not only captures the essence of personal and economic hardship but also resonates with a broader audience who can relate to the universal experience of facing and overcoming obstacles in life.