Born Under a Bad Sign, written by Booker T. Jones (Booker T and the MGs) and William Bell, was released as a single by Albert King in 1967. In 1968, British rock group Cream recorded "Born Under a Bad Sign" for their third album, Wheels of Fire. In 1988, Albert King's version was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.
"Born Under a Bad Sign" has been recorded by many artists, including: Blue Cheer, Paul Butterfield, Robben Ford, Jimi Hendrix, Etta James, MDC, Pappo, Paul Rodgers, Koko Taylor with Buddy Guy, Pat Travers, Big Mama Thornton, Rita Coolidge and cartoon character Homer Simpson.
Co-writers William Bell (1969) and Booker T. Jones (1968) each recorded the song.
One, two
Born under a bad sign
I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all
Hard luck and trouble is my only friend
I been on my own ever since I was ten
Born under a bad sign
I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all
I can't read, haven't learned how to write
My whole life has been one big fight
Born under a bad sign
I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all
I ain't lyin'
If it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have no kind-a luck
If it wasn't for real bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all
Wine and women is all I crave
A big legged woman is gonna carry me to my grave
Born under a bad sign
I been down since I begin to crawl
If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all
Yeah, my bad luck boy
Been havin' bad luck all of my days, yes