Black Cat Blues Lyrics
Lightnin' Hopkins
Lyrics
Black ghost, black ghost
Please stay away from my door
Black ghost, black ghost
Will you please stay away from my door
Yeah, you know you worry po' Lightnin' so now
I just can't sleep no more
Yeah, you know I go to dreaming first night
Black ghost is all po' Lightnin' can see
I go to dreaming first night,
Black ghost is all po' Lightnin' can see
You know that's why I begin to wonder
Why you keeps on worryin' me
Black ghost is a picture
And the black ghost is a shadow too
Whoa, black ghost is a picture
And the black ghost is a shadow too
You just can see him but you can't hear him talkin'
Ain't nothin' else that a black ghost can do
Black ghost blues
Song & Lyrics Facts
Lightnin' Hopkins’ classic blues song, “Black Cat Blues,” was released on his 1960 album, Goin' Away. The lyrics were written by Lightnin' himself and feature a backing band of bass guitar, drums, and rhythm guitar.
Drawing inspiration from the traditional 12-bar blues form, the song follows an AAB pattern in which Hopkins laments about being alone after losing his lover to another man. His sorrowful vocals are accompanied by a steady beat and soulful guitar riffs, creating an atmosphere of heartache and despair. With its timeless lyrics and captivating performance, "Black Cat Blues" remains one of Lightnin' Hopkins’ most beloved songs.