Rabbit Foot Blues

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a weary traveler, initially chased by the 'Blues' like a frightened rabbit. This opening image sets a tone of relentless pursuit and vulnerability. The narrator then finds himself in a place where sustenance is meager – 'biscuits a little too thin' and 'dried corn flour' that's 'strong.' This isn't just about bad food; it's a metaphor for a place that doesn't nourish him, contributing to his desire to leave. The central tension arises from the narrator's displacement and dissatisfaction. He questions 'meatless and wheatless days,' suggesting a lack of abundance or perhaps a specific hardship he's not accustomed to. The line 'This not bein' my home, I don't think I should stay' directly articulates his feeling of being an outsider, fueling his urge to return to a familiar place. A striking element is the shift from mundane complaints about food to grander, almost fantastical modes of escape. The mention of an 'airplane' and 'submarine,' and then a 'Kaiser,' suggests a desire for advanced, perhaps even military-grade, transport to facilitate his departure. This escalation highlights the depth of his longing to be somewhere else, anywhere but here. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their blend of humble hardship and aspirational escape. The narrator's simple plea for better food and his direct statement of not belonging are amplified by the almost surreal imagery of advanced transportation. The final verse, 'Hitch me to your buggy, mama, drive me like a mule,' brings it back to a raw, primal need for movement, driven by the simple fact that he's 'ain't much hard to be fooled' by promises of staying.