Jesus Just Left Chicago
ZZ Top Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴Jesus just left Chicago
And he's bound for New Orleans
Well now, Jesus just left Chicago
And he's bound for New Orleans
Yeah, yeah
Workin' from one end to the other and all points in between
Took a jump through Mississippi
Well, muddy water turned to wineTook a jump through Mississippi
Muddy water turned to wine
Yeah, yeah
Then out to California through the forests and the pines
Ah, take me with you, Jesus
You might not see him in person
But he'll see you just the same
You might not see him in person
But he'll see you just the same
Yeah, yeah
You don't have to worry 'cause takin' care of business is his name
Overall Meaning
The song "Jesus Just Left Chicago" by ZZ Top is a blues rock classic. At face value, the song seems to be about Jesus' travels from Chicago to New Orleans, stopping at various points along the way. However, the song is not actually about Jesus Christ, but rather a metaphor for the blues. Jesus is a symbol for both the singer's feelings and the music. The lyrics suggest that the blues is transformative, with muddy waters turning to wine, and that it can take people places both physically and emotionally, from Chicago to Mississippi, and from there to California.
The repeated refrain "Yeah, yeah" adds an element of urgency and excitement to the song. The line "You might not see him in person, but he'll see you just the same" speaks to the all-encompassing nature of the blues, how it can affect people even if they are not necessarily physically present at a blues performance. The final line, "You don't have to worry 'cause takin' care of business is his name," refers to both the singer's own ability to handle whatever life throws their way, as well as the blues itself, which has the power to help people cope with difficult situations.
Overall, "Jesus Just Left Chicago" is a powerful tribute to the transformative and healing power of the blues. The song's lyrics are full of interesting imagery and are open to interpretation, making it a classic in the blues rock canon.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus just left Chicago
The singer acknowledges that Jesus recently departed Chicago
And he's bound for New Orleans
Jesus is traveling to his next destination, which is New Orleans
Well now, Jesus just left Chicago
The singer reiterates that Jesus left Chicago and is traveling to New Orleans
And he's bound for New Orleans
Jesus' destination remains as New Orleans
Yeah, yeah
An expression of agreement or enthusiasm
Workin' from one end to the other and all points in between
Jesus is traveling and helping people throughout the region from one end to the other
Took a jump through Mississippi
Jesus traveled through Mississippi in a quick and effortless manner
Well, muddy water turned to wine
As a miracle worker, Jesus turned muddy water into wine
Took a jump through Mississippi
Reiterating that Jesus quickly traveled through Mississippi
Muddy water turned to wine
Again emphasizing the miracle that Jesus performed in Mississippi
Yeah, yeah
Repeated expression of agreement or enthusiasm
Then out to California through the forests and the pines
Jesus continued his journey to California, traveling through the forests and the trees
Ah, take me with you, Jesus
The singer expresses a desire to accompany Jesus on his journey
You might not see him in person
It's possible that people might not physically encounter Jesus during his journey
But he'll see you just the same
Despite not seeing Jesus, he is still aware of and watching over those he is helping
You might not see him in person
Reiterating that it's possible to miss seeing Jesus in person
But he'll see you just the same
Further emphasizing that Jesus is still aware of those he's helping, regardless of whether or not people see him in person
Yeah, yeah
Another expression of agreement or enthusiasm
You don't have to worry 'cause takin' care of business is his name
Jesus is capable of handling any problem or concern, and his name reflects this ability
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: FRANK BEARD, BILLY GIBBONS, DUSTY HILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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