About the song
“The Sky Is Crying,” a timeless blues standard originally penned and recorded by Elmore James in 1959, remains a poignant testament to the power of raw emotion and musical innovation in the genre. This slow-tempo twelve-bar blues, set in 12/8 time and key of C, captures a moment of inspiration during a rainy Chicago day, immortalized in its lyrics:
“The sky is crying, look at the tears roll down the street,
I’m waiting in tears looking for my baby, and I wonder where can she be?”
James, known for his distinctive slide guitar technique, delivers a soulful performance complemented by his band, the Broomdusters, featuring J.T. Brown on saxophone, Johnny Jones on piano, Odie Payne on drums, and Homesick James on bass. The recording session’s atmosphere, enriched by the Chicago weather, lent an unmistakable emotional depth to the song.
Upon its release, “The Sky Is Crying” ascended to number 15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Sides chart in 1960, marking one of James’ final chart successes before his passing in 1963. The song’s enduring appeal and influence are evident in its recognition as a blues standard and its induction into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 1991.
Over the years, the song has been reinterpreted by various artists, each bringing their unique style while honoring its blues roots. Albert King’s 1969 rendition showcased a different guitar approach, eschewing the slide for a fretted style, influencing later interpretations. Stevie Ray Vaughan, in homage to both James and King, included his powerful renditions in albums like “Couldn’t Stand the Weather” and “Soul to Soul,” solidifying the song’s place in blues history. Critically acclaimed for his virtuosity, Vaughan’s versions posthumously celebrated his reverence for blues legends.
In 1992, soul blues singer Gary B.B. Coleman offered his interpretation, adding another layer of soulfulness to the song’s legacy. Recently, Eric Clapton’s live rendition at RD Studios in London further underscored its enduring appeal and relevance in contemporary times, especially with its charitable release aimed at benefiting children in Gaza.
“The Sky Is Crying” continues to resonate across generations, a testament to Elmore James’ enduring influence and the timeless power of blues music to evoke deep emotions and connect listeners through its rich tapestry of sound and storytelling.
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Lyrics
The sky is crying,
Can you see the tears roll down the street.
The sky is crying,
Can you see the tears roll down the street.
I’ve been looking for my baby
And I’ve been wondering where can she be
I my baby early one morning
She was walking on down the street
I my baby early one morning
She was walking on down the street
You know it hurt me, hurt me so bad
It made my poor heart skip a beat
I got a real, real fine feeling
That my baby she don’t love me no more
I got a real, real fine feeling
That my baby she don’t love me no more
You know the sky’s been crying
Can see you see the tears roll down my door