Crosscut Saw
Buddy Guy & Otis Rush Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby, drag me across your log.
I'm a crosscut saw,
Baby, drag me across your log.
I cut your wood so easy for you,
You can't help but say, "Hot Dog!"
Some call me Woodcutting Sam,
The last girl I cut wood for,
She wants me back again.
[Chorus:]
I'm a crosscut saw,
Baby, drag me across your log.
I cut your wood so easy for you,
You can't help but say, "Hot Dog!"
I got a double-bladed axe
That really cuts good.
Well, I'm a crosscut saw,
Gonna bury me in your wood.
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Buddy Guy and Otis Rush's song "Crosscut Saw" convey a sexual metaphor of a man comparing himself to a saw and urging his lover to drag him across her log. The crosscut saw, a tool used to cut wood, is personified to demonstrate the singer's prowess and strength. The repeated reference to "drag me across your log" is a clear allusion to a sexual act, wherein the singer promises to pleasure his partner effortlessly, as he can cut through wood with ease. The use of metaphors expresses a playfulness and an earthy edge, emphasizing the physicality of the act while highlighting the singer's ability to satisfy his lover fully.
The singer also shares his nickname "Woodcutting Sam" or "Woodcutting Jim." He brags about his reputation and the devotion of his former lovers who always want him back after he cuts wood for them. The singer's claim that he is a double-bladed axe is tougher than the crosscut saw and that he will bury himself in his lover's wood further emphasizes his virility and dominance.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a playful, sexual innuendo. It is emblematic of the straightforward blues style of the 1960s, which was characterized by earthy lyrics and lively guitar work. It is one of the best examples of an archetypal blues shuffles that has never particularly been out of fashion, twisted and turned the decades, and still remain a staple of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a crosscut saw,
I am a tool used for cutting wood.
Baby, drag me across your log.
Use me to cut your wood.
I cut your wood so easy for you,
I am efficient at the task of woodcutting.
You can't help but say, "Hot Dog!"
You will be impressed with my woodcutting skills.
Some call me Woodcutting Sam,
I have a nickname that pertains to my woodcutting skills.
Some call me Woodcutting Jim.
I have another nickname that pertains to my woodcutting skills.
The last girl I cut wood for,
The most recent person I helped cut wood.
She wants me back again.
She was satisfied with my woodcutting and wants me to help again.
[Chorus:]
Refrain of the song.
I got a double-bladed axe
I have another tool for cutting wood.
That really cuts good.
It is an effective tool.
Well, I'm a crosscut saw,
I am still primarily a tool used for cutting wood.
Gonna bury me in your wood.
I am going to help you cut your wood until I am no longer usable.
[Chorus]
Refrain of the song.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TOMMY MCCLENNAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@5thbassdrum
Two greats. I was blessed to drum for Otis Rush for a while a real gentleman. Love Eric too:)
@spoookytooth
May I Kindly ask you to share your favorite experience with Otis?
@shawfrom2034
That musta been badass.....a great that is not often remembered as much as possible. woulda luvved to blow it down (harp) wid him.
@bryanmannoia8410
Otis was so great even EC was watching those solos with envy. what a touch, just incredible to see them together. thank you!
@Memnoch451
Eric, a true student of just about every guitar style there is. It's his life and it shows with how versatile he is when he plays. But, Blues has and will always be his true love.
@adaptiveagile
Rush and Clapton. How cool is that -- some of my favorite jams are these collaborations. Personal Clapton favorite is his collab with B.B. in the Riding with the King recordings. And Albert's In Session with SRV gives me the chills every time. Thanks for posting. I like the way this groove develops -- funky as hell.
@davidlockwood9184
Clapton (slow hand) layed back and does it in his sleep. Otis is a fantastic blues player, but different. Good to appreciate both of them.
@threepeater
RIP Otis Rush...what a legend...and legacy!! 💜😢✌🍻
@batmite3000
Otis and Big Albert (who wrote this song) played 'upside down strings' - but Eric is the one playing Albert-style! Otis always tasty and in the pocket.
@juhasaarikko2296
EC is so relaxed here, what a set. One of his best solos. Bot axemen in prime form