For Hawkins, performing this song is part of her "mental health mission," using the raw vulnerability of the blues to tell stories of resilience and healing.
The track was originally co-written by Ellington Jordan, Billy Foster, and Etta James. It is one of the most covered blues songs in history, famously exploring the pain of heartbreak and unrequited love through the metaphor of preferring blindness to seeing a lover leave.
A fusion of soul blues and deep soul , maintaining the classic feel of the 1967 original while adding Hawkins' signature powerhouse energy.
The song is a standout track on her album Memories Of (2020), which was recorded as a legacy project to honor Etta James.
Known for her vast vocal range, Hawkins "squeezes every drop of emotion" out of the track, often drawing comparisons to Etta James' own raspy and powerful tone.
While often performed with her high-energy Quintet , she also delivers stripped-back, intimate versions accompanied only by piano (Franck Le Masle) in her "My Life And I" duo format. Background and Context
Kaz Hawkins' rendition of is a core part of her "Memories of Etta" project , where she pays tribute to the legendary Etta James. Her version is characterized by a "raw and gritty" vocal delivery that mirrors the emotional intensity of her own personal history. Musical Style and Arrangement
