Crossroads
Bob Dylan & Eric Clapton Lyrics


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I went down to the crossroads
Tried to flag a ride
I went down to the crossroads
Tried to flag a ride
Nobody seemed to know me
Everybody passed me by

I went down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
I went down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
Ask the Lord above for mercy
Save me if you please

I am going down to Rosedale
Taking my rider by my side
I am going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
You can still barrelhouse, baby
They call us on the riverside

You can run, you can run
Go and tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
You can run, you can run
Go and tell my friend-boy Willie Brown




And I'm standing at the crossroads
I believe I'm sinking down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton's song, Crossroads, is about the spiritual journey of a man who has hit rock bottom and is seeking redemption. The "crossroads" is a reference to the myth of blues musician Robert Johnson, who supposedly sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for his musical talent. In the first verse, the singer tries to hitch a ride at the crossroads but is ignored by everyone who passes him by, suggesting that he is alone in his troubles. In the second verse, he falls to his knees and asks for mercy from the Lord, indicating his desire for redemption. In the last verse, he declares that he is heading to Rosedale with his lover, and that they will continue to enjoy life, suggesting that he has found peace.


The lyrics of Crossroads have been interpreted in various ways, with some suggesting that it is a commentary on the Vietnam War, as the song was released in 1969, during the height of the war. Others argue that it is a song about the struggle for civil rights, as the "crossroads" could symbolize the intersection of different races and cultures. Dylan and Clapton's collaboration on the song was a significant event, as they were two of the most influential musicians of the time, each with their unique styles and legacies.


Line by Line Meaning

I went down to the crossroads
I visited the intersection of two roads.


Tried to flag a ride
I attempted to hail a ride from passing vehicles.


Nobody seemed to know me
Strangers didn't recognize me.


Everybody passed me by
I was ignored by people passing by.


Fell down on my knees
I dropped to the ground on my knees.


Ask the Lord above for mercy
I begged God for mercy.


Save me if you please
If it's possible, please save me.


Taking my rider by my side
Bringing my companion with me to Rosedale.


You can still barrelhouse, baby
We can still play boogie-woogie music, baby.


They call us on the riverside
We're known for our music on the riverside.


Go and tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
Tell Willie Brown that I am leaving and may never return.


And I'm standing at the crossroads
I am at the intersection of two roads again.


I believe I'm sinking down
I feel like I'm deteriorating/getting worse.




Lyrics Š CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Robert Johnson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@adamhuston9955

Two great Music Legends Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. Love from a fan of yours Adam ❤❤❤😊.

@stevesalisbury5659

Never have and likely never will see Bob Dylan smiling so much.......thoroughly enjoying himself while he jams with Clapton !!

@user-sg9gv1vv7u

Music is the food for our soule...Just live it

@janetbeebe6578

You actually see Dylan smile, that's pretty rare.
The words and meaning in Dylan's songs is the Soundtrack to my life.

@vogelfrau2425

Leider nuschelt er noch schlimmer als Udo Lindenberg. Verstehe kaum was.

@popscola2574

Its all part of his act. Bob Dylan is a character he plays. Robert Allen Zimmerman is him in real life. Thats what makes him so cool, he dosent like you and he dont care that you like him

@lynettekomidar2819

Yesss

@catebannan7343

Check out the video with Dylan playing “Like a Rolling Stone” with the Rolling Stones, he actually laughs near the end when singing a part with Mick Jagger, love it 😊

@daverenick5830

yeah, I noticed that and commented that the smiles are for real on this one. There's quite a lot for those guys to be smiling about, I'd say. What astonishing mythic lives some rare people enjoy.
These people write history when they play. It certainly isn't the babble of politicians. The indelible stuff is written in the book of soul, whatever that means.

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@landztranz

Never saw Bob enjoy himself so much!

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