“Still Got the Blues (For You)” is a song by Northern Irish guitarist and singer Gary Moore, released in March 1990 with “Left Me with the Blues” on the B-side. It became one of Moore’s most famous tracks and marked a significant change in his musical style, moving from hard rock and heavy metal to blues rock.
The song was the title track of Moore’s album Still Got the Blues. This album was a turning point in his career, as he delved deeper into the blues genre. Musically, “Still Got the Blues” is a slow blues ballad that features expressive guitar work and soulful vocals. It follows a classic blues structure, centered around a smooth, melodic guitar riff and extended guitar solos that highlight Moore’s technical skill and emotional depth.
Lyrically, the song focuses on themes of lost love and longing. The narrator reflects on a past relationship with sadness and regret but finds comfort in the fact that, despite everything, they “still got the blues.” The song captures the essence of the blues, expressing personal pain and emotion through music.
“Still Got the Blues” achieved commercial success. It reached No. 31 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 97 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Moore’s only charting single in the United States. The song gained popularity in Europe, reaching the top five in numerous countries, incl. number one in Belgium. and received significant airplay on rock and blues radio stations.
The song is often considered Gary Moore’s signature piece and helped establish him as a respected blues musician. It is widely praised for its emotional guitar solos, which have become iconic among guitar enthusiasts. Over the years, “Still Got the Blues” has been covered by various artists and remains a staple in blues rock playlists, cementing its status as a timeless classic.