Meaning: The quote you have provided is from the American blues musician John Lee Hooker. In this quote, Hooker reflects on his early experiences as a young man leaving his hometown and venturing into the big cities of Cincinnati and Detroit. The quote encapsulates the sense of wonder, excitement, and perhaps a touch of nostalgia for the allure of the big city lights and the opportunities they symbolized.

John Lee Hooker was one of the most influential and distinctive blues musicians of the 20th century. Born in Mississippi in 1917, he was a key figure in the development of the electric blues style and a pioneer of the boogie-woogie rhythm that became a hallmark of his music. Hooker's experiences and observations of life in the urban centers of the United States undoubtedly influenced his music and lyrics, and this quote provides a glimpse into the formative years of his life and career.

The quote suggests a sense of ambition and a hunger for new experiences as Hooker left his hometown to explore the larger cities. The reference to "them bright lights" evokes the idea of the big city as a place of excitement, opportunity, and perhaps even a little bit of glamour. This sentiment is a common theme in the narratives of many artists and musicians who have migrated from rural areas to urban centers in pursuit of their dreams.

The decision to leave Cincinnati and move on to Detroit indicates a restless spirit and a desire for new challenges and experiences. This restlessness is a recurring theme in the lives of many artists and musicians who seek to break away from the confines of their origins and seek new horizons in the big cities where the cultural and artistic scenes are thriving.

The quote also hints at a coming-of-age story, as Hooker mentions that he was in Cincinnati until he was about 18 or 19 years old. This period of his life was likely a time of significant personal and artistic growth, as he navigated the challenges and opportunities of city life, honed his musical skills, and encountered the diverse influences that would shape his distinctive sound.

In summary, John Lee Hooker's quote captures the sense of adventure, ambition, and yearning for new experiences that often characterize the journeys of artists and musicians as they venture from their hometowns to the big cities. It also provides a glimpse into the formative years of a legendary blues musician and the influences that shaped his music and outlook on life.