Although Eric Clapton and B.B. King had a 30-plus years friendship originating with a chance meeting and subsequent jam session at New York City's Café Au Go Go in 1967, the idea for a collaborative album only crystallized during the sessions for King's 1997 album Deuces Wild. The resulting record, "Riding with the King", is a stellar event thanks to a wealth of rich material and a solid supporting cast including Jimmie Vaughan, Joe Sample and Steve Gadd.
B.B. King's extensive catalog provides a wellspring of inspiration, including signature songs such as the smoldering "Three O'Clock Blues", alongside lesser-known numbers like the ribald shuffle "Days Of Old", and the Live at the Regal chestnut "Help The Poor". Elsewhere, King and Clapton look to guitarist Big Bill Broonzy (an acoustic "Key to the Highway") and Chicago pianist Maceo Merriweather (the slow-rolling "Worried Life Blues") for inspiration. Even the non-blues numbers are delivered with a rich subtlety befitting these guitar icons' consummate musicianship. John Hiatt's title track becomes a mid-tempo exchange between old friends, while their honeyed vocals on the standard "Come Rain or Come Shine" are worthy of Ray Charles' 1959 version.
"Riding with the King" won the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.
Official website for B.B. King: www.bbking.com
Official website for Eric Clapton: www.ericclapton.com
Hold On I'm Coming
B.B. King & Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lean on me in times of bad
When the day comes and you're in doubt
In a river of trouble about to drown
Hold on, hold on
I'm coming, I'm coming
Hold on, hold on
I'm on my way your lover
When you get cold
I'll be your cover
Don't have to worry
Because I'm here
Don't need to suffer
Because I'm here
Hold on, hold on
I'm coming, I'm coming
Hold on, hold on
I'm coming, I'm coming
Reach out to me
For satisfaction
Call my name
Quick reaction
Hey hey hey
Don't you ever be sad
Lean on me in times of bad
When the day comes and you're in doubt
In a river of trouble about to drown
Don't you ever be sad
Lean on me in times of bad
Hold on, hold on
I'm coming, I'm coming
In "Hold on I'm Coming," B.B. King and Eric Clapton deliver a message of support and encouragement to someone who may be experiencing difficulties. The lyrics urge the listener to never give up hope and to lean on the singer during tough times. The repetition of "hold on" emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the need for the listener to wait for the singer, who promises to come to their aid when needed.
The song speaks to the human desire for connection and support, emphasizing the importance of relying on loved ones during difficult times. The metaphor of a river represents the overwhelming feeling of trouble that can sometimes be too much to handle alone. The listener is encouraged to hold on and not give up, knowing that the singer is on their way to help.
Overall, the song communicates a message of hope, reminding the listener that they are not alone in their struggles and that someone cares about their well-being. The upbeat tempo and soulful delivery of the lyrics create a sense of optimism and resilience, making it an uplifting and motivating addition to any playlist.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't you ever be sad
I don't want you to ever feel sad or alone.
Lean on me in times of bad
You can depend on me for emotional support during difficult times.
When the day comes and you're in doubt
If you ever feel uncertain or unsure, know that I'm here for you.
In a river of trouble about to drown
If you're ever overwhelmed by a difficult situation, I'll be there to help you stay afloat.
Hold on, hold on
Hang in there, stay strong and don't lose hope.
I'm coming, I'm coming
I'm here for you, and I'm on my way to help and support you.
I'm on my way your lover
I love you, and I'm making my way to you to show you my support.
When you get cold
If you ever feel alone and isolated, I'll be there to comfort you.
I'll be your cover
I'll protect you and keep you safe from harm.
Don't have to worry
You don't need to be anxious or troubled, because I'm here for you.
Because I'm here
You can rely on me for anything and everything.
Reach out to me
If you ever need help, don't hesitate to come to me.
For satisfaction
I'm here to make sure you're content and fulfilled.
Call my name
Call upon me, and I'll be there for you.
Quick reaction
I'll be there for you as soon as I can.
Hey hey hey
Just a joyful expression, indicating my eagerness and readiness to help.
Hold on, hold on
Don't give up, keep hope alive.
I'm coming, I'm coming
I'm on my way, and I won't stop until I help you through.
Hold on, hold on
Stay strong and keep holding on to hope.
I'm coming, I'm coming
I'm here for you, and I won't let you down.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Blanco Y Negro Publishing, S.L., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Porter, Isaac Hayes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PedroGarcia-vz4ry
That conversation between Lucille and Blackie at the end of the song is AMAZING.
@timdz6165
The guitar riff exchange at the end is incredible
@dano1234ize
turning a masterpiece of soul music into a blues number is only given to these 2 blues giants to do so , so good.
@iamcornholiothegreat
how can someone dislike this...makes no sense...
@daniellezulfer7553
Played this song at my Father's funeral, per his request...
@ioflowboy
Lol he's riding with the king now brother ✌
@MrRockSF
Great song, B.B. King is a King of Blues, R.I.P.
@messi5601
bb king is THE king of the blues no doubt
@joefriedman9843
2 of the best to ever play the instrument
@pabloperez4063
And sing