In the quote from Saul Bellow's "Henderson the Rain King," the speaker expresses a deep longing for freedom from the memories of past failures and regrets. These 'dead days' represent a haunting presence that resurfaces, stirring feelings of pain and discomfort. The speaker is troubled by the inability to escape this cycle, illustrating the persistent nature of negative experiences in one's life.

The phrase "the worst rhythm there is" captures the essence of an ongoing struggle with one's past. The notion of a man’s bad self repeating creates an image of suffering that seems inescapable. Bellow poignantly conveys the anguish of living with the repercussions of past actions, emphasizing how these burdens can overshadow one's ability to move forward and find peace.