Hot Tuna Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning

Okay, folks, let's talk Hot Tuna. Specifically, “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning.” Buckle up.

Is It Just Me...?

Does anyone else find that song... slightly repetitive? I said it! Don’t get me wrong, Jorma Kaukonen's guitar work is legendary. And Jack Casady’s bass? Forget about it.

But sometimes, three minutes of a riff feels like… a very long three minutes. Is it just me staring blankly into the void?

The Lamp Situation

The lyrics! What's with all the lamp trimming? Are we talking actual lamps? Because if so, I’m picturing a very busy person with a whole lot of oil.

Seriously, who has that many lamps? Are they expecting a power outage? Maybe it is a metaphor. Probably a metaphor.

But I like to imagine it as a very literal song about excessive lamp maintenance. Judge me.

The Riff, The Myth, The Legend

That riff though…it's undeniably catchy. Like a musical earworm that sets up camp in your brain and refuses to pay rent.

You find yourself humming it while doing the dishes. While waiting in line at the grocery store. Even during important business meetings. (Okay, maybe not that one.)

And I get it, it's bluesy, it's classic, it’s Hot Tuna. It is an anthem! Just wish the tempo could pick up or do something different.

Am I Missing Something?

Maybe I'm just not enlightened enough. Maybe I need to meditate while listening to it on repeat for 24 hours straight. Perhaps then, I’d get it.

I'd probably just get a headache. And a sudden urge to trim all the non-existent lamps in my house.

But honestly? I admire the dedication. The sheer commitment to that riff. Respect.

Unpopular Opinion Time

Here’s the real kicker: I sometimes prefer the live versions where they jam out and take the song to outer space. More guitar, more tempo.

At least then, the lamp trimming feels like it's leading somewhere. Like we're finally reaching peak lamp-trimming efficiency.

Don't get me wrong, I’m not saying it's a bad song. I'm just saying... maybe a little less lamp trimming, a little more… something else?

“Keep your lamps trimmed and burning…” (and maybe add a bridge?)

Hot Tuna: Still Awesome

Look, at the end of the day, it's Hot Tuna. They're legends. They've earned the right to play whatever they want.

And if that's "Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning" for the next three hours, so be it. I'll probably still tap my foot.

While secretly wishing for a surprise accordion solo. Just kidding (mostly).

Final Thoughts (Before I Get Roasted)

So, there you have it. My slightly irreverent, possibly sacrilegious take on a classic Hot Tuna song. I might be totally wrong.

And that's okay! Music is subjective. We all have our own weird preferences. Maybe you think the lamp trimming is pure genius. Great!

But if you're secretly thinking, "Yeah, that riff does go on a bit…" well, welcome to the club. We have lamps.

And plenty of oil to keep them burning… or not.