Grown So Ugly (Robert Pete Williams cover) Lyrics

I got up this morning
And I put on my shoes
I tied my shoes
Then I washed my face
I went to the mirror
For to comb my head
I made a move
Didn't know what to do
I tipped way forward
Got to break and run

Baby, this ain't me
Baby, this ain't me
Got so ugly I don't even know myself

I left Angola
1964
Go walking down my street
Knock on my baby's door
My baby come out
She asks me who I am
And I say, honey,
Don't you know your man?
She said my man's been gone
Since 1942
And I'll tell you Mr. Ugly,
He didn't look like you
3 Meanings

Add your song meanings, interpretations, facts, memories & more to the community.

Add your thoughts...
Cover art for Grown So Ugly (Robert Pete Williams cover) lyrics by Black Keys, The

The lyrics are wrong here, and by making the needed change, the meaning of this song becomes much more obvious. It's not "left and gone, 1964" but actually "left Angola, 1964" -- referring to Angola State Prison in Louisiana, one of the largest and most notoriously brutal prisons in the United States.

This song was originally written by Robert Pete Williams but popularized by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band. This Black Keys version is a cover of the Captain Beefheart version.

The song is told from the point of view of a man who has just been released from prison after 22 years. He's basically singing about the negative changes he has gone through in prison (grown so ugly) and about how the woman he loves can barely recognize him.

Cover art for Grown So Ugly (Robert Pete Williams cover) lyrics by Black Keys, The

Pretty straight forward I think, he left his wife in 1942, he comes back in 1964, she doesnt "know" him.

Great song, love the tempo changes.

this song live was amazing.

Cover art for Grown So Ugly (Robert Pete Williams cover) lyrics by Black Keys, The

I LOVE this song. It rocks. athomeinmygalaxie - nice addition!

I recently asked my husband why he can't ever say anything nice to me -- "You're not pretty" was his answer. When I got mad he asked "Do you want me to lie?" and I asked, "Do I have to be married to you?" Anyway --- at least I have an AWESOME theme song!!!

 
Questions and Answers

Ask specific questions and get answers to unlock more indepth meanings & facts.

Ask a question...