About the song
Tommy James and the Shondells’ “Crimson and Clover” is a psychedelic rock anthem that catapulted the band to international stardom in 1968. Released amidst the cultural revolution of the late 1960s, the song perfectly encapsulates the era’s rebellious spirit, experimentation with drugs, and fascination with the counterculture.
The song’s distinctive opening riff, a pulsating, hypnotic guitar melody, immediately sets the stage for a journey into a psychedelic dreamscape. James’ vocals, delivered with a raw intensity, convey a sense of longing and desperation, as he sings about a love affair that’s as passionate as it is dangerous. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a forbidden love, filled with secrecy, desire, and a touch of the forbidden.
Musically, “Crimson and Clover” is a tour de force. The arrangement is both complex and accessible, with layers of instrumentation that create a rich and textured sound. The driving rhythm section, the soaring guitar solos, and the lush harmonies all contribute to the song’s infectious energy. The song’s psychedelic elements, such as the use of backwards guitar effects and the dreamy atmosphere, add to its otherworldly appeal.
“Crimson and Clover” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also became a popular cover song, with versions recorded by artists as diverse as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and the Grateful Dead. Today, the song remains a classic of the psychedelic rock genre, a timeless testament to the power of music to capture the spirit of an era.
Video
Lyrics
Ah, now I don’t hardly know her
But I think I could love her
Crimson and clover
Ah when she comes walking over
Now I’ve been waitin’ to show her
Crimson and clover over and over
Yeah, my, my such a sweet thing
I wanna do everything
What a beautiful feeling
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over
Crimson and clover over and over