Jesus Just Left Chicago | ZZ Top Lyrics, Meaning & Videos

Took a jump through Mississippi You might not see him in person But he'll see you just the sameYou might not see him in person But he'll see you just the same Yeah, yeahYou don't have to worry 'cause takin' care of business is his name

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 wine
Took 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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