Song Meaning

Ry Cooder's rendition of "John Lee Hooker for President" is not merely a novelty song; it's a sly commentary on American politics and the blues' enduring relevance. The song cleverly uses John Lee Hooker's persona as a vehicle to critique the establishment. The premise itself – a bluesman running for the highest office – is absurd, highlighting the disconnect between the political elite and the everyday struggles of ordinary people. Hooker's imagined platform, filled with promises of 'scotch, bourbon, and beer' for adults and 'milk, cream, and alcohol' for children, is a satirical take on populist promises, exaggerating them to the point of comicality. It's a world where pleasure and indulgence replace serious policy. The line, 'Don't be fooled by the Republican, don't pity the Democratic,' suggests a disillusionment with both major parties, advocating instead for a candidate who represents pure, unadulterated groove. Beyond the political satire, the song celebrates the blues as a universal language. Hooker's assertion that 'everybody got to have the blues sometime' underscores the genre's ability to connect with people from all walks of life. The reference to his hit song "Boom Boom" and the idea that 'every time you hear Boom Boom, that's a dollar change' playfully links musical success with economic independence, reinforcing Hooker's image as a self-made man who 'finance[s] my own campaign.' He's not beholden to special interests; he's funded by the people's love for the blues. The choice of Jimmy Reed and Little Johnny Taylor as Vice President and Secretary of State, respectively, further emphasizes the song's allegiance to the blues tradition, creating a fantasy cabinet of musical icons. Moreover, the song's playful sexism – 'nine fine lookin' women sittin' on the Supreme Court' – can be interpreted as a tongue-in-cheek critique of the male-dominated power structures. While undeniably problematic by modern standards, it also subverts the traditional image of political authority, replacing it with a vision of feminine power, albeit one filtered through a decidedly male gaze. The threat of violence in the line, 'If I catch you messin' 'round the White House while I'm there, I might cut you, I might shoot you, I just don't know,' adds a layer of unpredictability, suggesting that Hooker's presidency would be anything but conventional. Ultimately, "John Lee Hooker for President" is a bluesy, humorous, and subversive take on American politics, using the persona of a legendary musician to question the status quo and celebrate the enduring power of the blues.

Ry Cooder - Pop

John Lee Hooker for President

2 Plays

Duration: 6:06

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[Verse 1] When I first came to town, people I was walkin ' down Pennsylvania Avenue I heard a lot people talking 'bout the White House I decided I'd drop in there that night And when I got there I said, "Man, what's shakin'?" They said, "Look, man, you can't come in here This is where the President hang out, what you want?" I said, "Look, man, I'm John Lee Hooker, I sing the blues" They said the President don't have time for the blues I said, "Look, man, everybody got to have the blues sometime Don't matter where you're from or where you're at" [Verse 2] So I decided to make a run for President, uh-huh Yeah, I know everyone got the blues 'cause I'm in touch wit' 'em when I sing It's my life I got the number one record in Detroit right now And it's called Boom Boom Yeah, it tells a tremendous story, these lyrics are something else I want you to dig it and pick up on it And every time you hear Boom Boom, that's a dollar change I don't need yo money 'cause I finance my own campaign, I ain't for sale I keep a fat bankroll in my pocket, baby, big as a hay bale Yes sir [Verse 3] Now I want everybody to know I'm strictly copastatic I ain't Republican or Democratic I got a new program for the nation It's gonna be groove time, a big sensation Every man and woman gets one scotch, one bourbon, one beer Three times a day if they stay cool And little chillens gets milk, cream and alcohol Two times a day if they stay involved in school Now boogie chillen Yes sir, mhm Oh, low low, what a mighty time [Verse 4] Now I want nine fine lookin' women sittin' on the Supreme Court Their big legs, their tight skirts drive me out of my mind When I need a judgment they gonna give it to me right on time They call me on the phone sayin', "Johnny We disagree on which one of us you like the best" I said, "Honey, you all equally fine under the law" Yes sir Now I'm sharp and up to date Jimmy Reed, Vice President, Little Johnny Taylor, Secretary of State I got the foreign policy numbers 444 Domestic spending goin' up, continental clothes, Stetson hats Everybody's on the dance floor Yes sir [Verse 5] All you back biters and syndicators, hear what I say Now I ain't gonna stand for no trash talking and double dealin' If I catch you messin' 'round the White House while I'm there I might cut you, I might shoot you, I just don't know And there's one point I really wanna prove If you vote for John Lee Hooker you know you're gonna groove Don't be fooled by the Republican, don't pity the Democratic Vote John Lee Hooker and everything gon' be mellow, knocked out, copastatic [Outro] See us on a rainy day

Credits

Writers: Ry Cooder

John Lee Hooker for President

John Lee Hooker for President

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