About the song
Certainly! Here’s an introduction to the song “Cross Road Blues,” also known as “Crossroads”:
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“Cross Road Blues,” commonly recognized as “Crossroads,” is an iconic blues song penned by Robert Johnson, one of the most enigmatic figures in American music history. Written and performed in the Delta blues style, Johnson’s original recording of the song features his distinctive solo vocals accompanied by acoustic slide guitar. This haunting track is often associated with the myth that Johnson made a Faustian pact at a crossroads to gain unparalleled musical talent, a tale that, while deeply rooted in Southern folklore, is not explicitly referenced in the song’s lyrics.
The song’s origins trace back to 1932, but it was on November 27, 1936, that Johnson recorded two takes of “Cross Road Blues.” The first take was released as a single in 1937, primarily circulating within the Mississippi Delta region. The second take, released on the 1961 compilation album “King of the Delta Blues Singers” during the American folk music revival, reached a broader audience and helped cement Johnson’s legacy.
“Cross Road Blues” has inspired countless renditions by various blues musicians over the decades. Notably, Elmore James’ 1954 and 1960–1961 versions are recognized as significant early adaptations of the song. However, it was the British rock band Cream, fronted by guitarist Eric Clapton, that introduced a new dimension to the song. Their 1968 interpretation, featured on the “Wheels of Fire” album, transformed “Crossroads” into a powerful blues-rock anthem, showcasing Clapton’s electrifying guitar work and helping to popularize the song to a global audience.
Both Robert Johnson’s original and Cream’s rendition have earned critical acclaim and have become integral to the repertoire of blues and blues-rock musicians. The song’s enduring appeal is reflected in its status as a blues standard and its influence across musical genres. Eric Clapton’s association with the song extends beyond performance; he has also used its name for charitable endeavors, including the Crossroads Centre on Antigua, which aids individuals in overcoming addiction, and the Crossroads Guitar Festivals, which raise funds to support this cause.
“Cross Road Blues” stands as a testament to the profound impact of the blues on modern music, bridging the gap between early 20th-century Delta blues and contemporary rock interpretations. Its legacy continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide, underscoring the timeless nature of Johnson’s original vision and the enduring power of the blues.
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Video
Lyrics
I went down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
Down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above for mercy
Take me, if you please
I went down to the crossroads
Tried to flag a ride
Down to the crossroads
Tried to flag a ride
Nobody seemed to know me
Everybody passed me by
Well, I’m going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
Going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
We can still borrow a house, baby
On the riverside
Going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
Going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
We can still borrow a house, baby
On the riverside
You can run, you can run
Tell my friend boy Willie Brown
Run, you can run
Tell my friend boy Willie Brown
And I’m standing at the crossroads
Believe I’m sinking down
Eric Clapton, please, oh (thank you)