“Born Under a Bad Sign,” released in 1967, is one of Albert King’s most iconic songs and a defining track in the history of electric blues. Written by William Bell and Booker T. Jones, the song became a blues anthem with its powerful lyrics, soulful melody, and King’s distinctive guitar playing. Known for his deep, expressive voice and masterful use of the Gibson Flying V guitar, Albert King’s version of “Born Under a Bad Sign” has influenced generations of blues and rock musicians, solidifying his legacy as one of the “Three Kings of the Blues.”

About The Song

• Lyrics Interpretation: The lyrics of “Born Under a Bad Sign” express a sense of bad luck and hardship, with lines like “Born under a bad sign / I’ve been down since I began to crawl” conveying feelings of inevitability and misfortune. The song touches on themes of struggle and survival, with King’s vocals capturing the pain and resignation of someone who believes they have been dealt a difficult hand in life. Despite the song’s melancholy tone, it also exudes resilience, as the narrator continues to push forward despite the challenges.
• Guitar Mastery: Albert King’s signature guitar playing is on full display in “Born Under a Bad Sign.” Known for his unconventional left-handed playing on a right-handed guitar, King’s distinctive style—marked by strong bends, smooth vibrato, and minimalistic yet powerful phrasing—became a hallmark of modern electric blues. His use of space and tone, combined with his expressive solos, make the song both dynamic and emotionally charged. King’s guitar work on this track has influenced countless guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
• Musical Composition: “Born Under a Bad Sign” features a blend of blues and soul, with Booker T. & the M.G.’s providing a tight, grooving rhythm section that underpins King’s powerful vocals and guitar. The combination of horns, organ, and a steady bassline gives the song a rich, full sound that complements its raw emotional energy. The song’s structure, driven by a 12-bar blues progression, is elevated by King’s guitar licks and the smooth instrumentation provided by Stax Records’ legendary session musicians.
• Cultural Impact: “Born Under a Bad Sign” became a blues standard almost immediately upon its release, crossing over into rock music and influencing many of the era’s top artists. The song’s themes of bad luck and perseverance resonated with a wide audience, particularly during the social and political upheavals of the 1960s. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Etta James, and remains a staple in the repertoire of blues and rock musicians alike.
• Song Legacy: “Born Under a Bad Sign” is considered one of the greatest blues songs of all time and a key moment in Albert King’s career. The song was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and continues to be a defining track in electric blues. Its impact on both blues and rock music is immense, with its influence heard in the work of countless musicians. King’s version of the song has become synonymous with the sound of modern blues, and it remains a popular choice for guitarists and blues bands around the world.

“Born Under a Bad Sign” is more than just a song—it’s a statement of resilience and survival in the face of adversity. Albert King’s soulful delivery, combined with his masterful guitar playing, makes this track a timeless classic that continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike. Its lasting influence on blues and rock music cements its place as one of the most important recordings in modern music history.

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Lyric

Born under a bad sign
Been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn’t for bad luck
You know I wouldn’t have no luck at all
Hard luck and trouble is my only friend
I’ve been on my own ever since I was ten
Born under a bad sign
Been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn’t for bad luck
You know I wouldn’t have no luck at all
I can’t read, haven’t learned how to write
My whole life has been one big fight
Born under a bad sign
I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn’t for bad luck
I say I wouldn’t have no luck at all
I ain’t no lyin’
You know if it wasn’t for bad luck
I wouldn’t have no kinda luck
If it wasn’t for real bad luck
I wouldn’t have no luck at all
You know, wine and women is all I crave
A big-legged woman is gonna carry me to my grave
Born under a bad sign
I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn’t for bad luck
I tell I wouldn’t have no luck at all
Yeah, my bad luck boy
Been havin’ bad luck all of my days, yes