Muddy Waters – Mannish Boy – 1955

About The Song

“Muddy Waters – Mannish Boy – 1955” is a blues classic that showcases the raw and electrifying style of Muddy Waters. Here are five facts about the song:

1. Release and Significance: “Mannish Boy” was released in 1955 as a single by Muddy Waters. The song is considered one of his signature pieces and a quintessential example of Chicago blues. It has since become a staple in the blues genre and a defining track in Waters’ catalog.
2. Co-Writers: The songwriting credits for “Mannish Boy” go to Muddy Waters, Mel London, and Ellas McDaniel (Bo Diddley). The distinctive guitar riff in the song is reminiscent of Bo Diddley’s style, and his influence is evident in the composition.
3. Iconic Guitar Riff: The opening guitar riff of “Mannish Boy” is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most iconic and imitated guitar riffs in the history of blues music. The riff adds to the song’s swagger and energetic appeal.
4. Lyrical Theme: The lyrics of “Mannish Boy” convey a boastful and confident persona, celebrating the characteristics of a “man,” particularly in the context of traditional masculinity. The song’s assertive lyrics and powerful delivery contribute to its enduring appeal.
5. Sampled in Popular Culture: “Mannish Boy” has been extensively sampled in various forms of popular culture. The song’s distinctive elements, including its guitar riff and vocal lines, have been used in numerous films, TV shows, and music productions, attesting to its enduring influence across genres.

Video

Lyrics

Ooooooh, yeah, ooh, yeah

Everythin’, everythin’, everythin’s gonna be alright this mornin’
Ooh yeah, whoaw
Now when I was a young boy, at the age of five
My mother said I was, gonna be the greatest man alive
But now I’m a man, way past 21
Want you to believe me baby,
I had lot’s of fun
I’m a man
I spell mmm, aaa child, nnn
That represents man
No B, O child, Y
That mean mannish boy
I’m a man
I’m a full grown man
I’m a man
I’m a natural born lovers man
I’m a man
I’m a rollin’ stone
I’m a man
I’m a hoochie coochie man

Sittin’ on the outside, just me and my mate
You know I’m made to move you honey,
Come up two hours late
Wasn’t that a man
I spell mmm, aaa child, nnn
That represents man
No B, O child, Y
That mean mannish boy
I’m a man
I’m a full grown man
Man
I’m a natural born lovers man
Man
I’m a rollin’ stone
Man-child
I’m a hoochie coochie man

The line I shoot will never miss
When I make love to a woman,
She can’t resist
I think I go down,
To old Kansas Stew
I’m gonna bring back my second cousin,
That little Johnny Cocheroo
All you little girls,
Sittin’out at that line
I can make love to you woman,
In five minutes time
Ain’t that a man
I spell mmm, aaa child, nnn
That represents man
No B, O child, Y
That mean mannish boy
Man
I’m a full grown man
Man
I’m a natural born lovers man
Man
I’m a rollin’ stone
I’m a man-child
I’m a hoochie coochie man
Well, well, well, well
Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry
Don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me child
Don’t hurt me, don’t hurt, don’t hurt me child
Well, well, well, well

Yeah