Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Bad Luck” by Langhorne Slim
‘Bad Luck’ by Langhorne Slim is an all-too-familiar story of a man who is trying to make something of himself but is always met with misfortune and struggles. The song’s bluesy style and sorrowful lyrics reflect the frustration and despair of being stuck in a cycle of bad luck.
The song begins with a metaphor of the singer’s luck literally running out – “lately I’ve been feelin like my bad luck ran out”. Things feel so hopeless that each action, no matter how small, feels like a “great escape” from the darkness of his life. Yet he is still unable to break the cycle of the bad luck that follows him everywhere.
This helplessness is portrayed in the lyrics “tryin’ to get out, gonna keep movin on”, as if his only hope is to keep trying and hoping his luck can eventually turn around, despite the odds being against him. He is stuck in a limbo between hope and despair as he admits he “Can’t change what I am doin, even if I wanted to”.
The song draws to a close with the chorus “Sometimes I feel like I can do no good, Don’t know where I’m coming from.” This sums up the despair of the situation perfectly – knowing that no matter what you do, the bad luck will still follow you. It’s a reflection of the pain and difficulty of living a life of constant struggle and trying to overcome it.
Ultimately, ‘Bad Luck’ is a song of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. Despite all the struggles, the singer is determined to keep moving forward and make something of himself. It’s a powerful reminder that no matter how dark things seem, persistence will eventually lead to a brighter future.