Born into a family of sharecroppers, Johnson’s early life was shaped by the hardships of the Mississippi Delta. The harsh realities of poverty, racial segregation, and the backbreaking labor of sharecropping left an indelible mark on his musical and personal journey. The blues, a genre born from the pain and struggles of African Americans in the face of oppression, became a powerful outlet for Johnson’s emotions and experiences.

* **Origin:** The song was written and recorded in 1937. * **Style:** It exemplifies Robert Johnson’s Delta blues style. * **Instrumentation:** Features intricate guitar work and soulful vocals. * **Themes:** Expresses themes of restlessness and longing. * **Impact:** A poignant example of Johnson’s melancholic and reflective style.

The song’s musicality is characterized by its bluesy, soulful sound. It features a distinctive guitar riff that is both catchy and memorable. The song’s structure is simple yet effective, with a repetitive chorus and a straightforward verse-chorus-verse structure. The song’s lyrics are rich in symbolism and imagery, with the “hellhound” serving as a powerful metaphor for the challenges and anxieties of life.

The song’s narrative is centered around a man who is deeply hurt by a woman’s betrayal. He’s left with a sense of emptiness and longing, and he’s determined to move on. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his pain, using metaphors and imagery to convey the depth of his emotional turmoil.