The band released only one studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The album went on to receive critical acclaim, but initially faltered in sales and in radio airplay. Although released in 1970 it was not until March 1972 that the album's single "Layla" (a tale of unrequited love inspired by Clapton's relationship with his friend George Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd) made the top ten in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album, which has received praise from critics and fans alike, is often considered to be the defining achievement of Clapton's career. Layla featured slide guitar from guest guitarist Duane Allman, who contributed lead, rhythm or slide guitar on most of the cuts on the album.
Crossroads
Derek & The Dominos Lyrics
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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
Asked the Lord above for mercy, save me if you please
I'm going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
You can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
And I'm standing at the crossroads, believe I'm sinking down
The lyrics to Derek & The Dominos's song Crossroads speak of a man who is at a crossroads in his life, both figuratively and literally. He is trying to flag a ride at the crossroads, but nobody seems to know or acknowledge him. Feeling lost and desperate, he falls down on his knees and pleads with the Lord for mercy and salvation. In his words, he is sinking down, and he knows he needs help to keep going.
The song's lyrics are heavily inspired by the legend of blues musician Robert Johnson, who allegedly sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for his skills in playing the guitar. The song's lyrics reference Johnson's crossroads story and suggest that the singer is also looking for some kind of help or guidance, possibly even supernatural.
Overall, the lyrics of Crossroads convey a sense of desperation and longing for salvation, both on a spiritual and worldly level. The singer is lost and alone, seeking a way out of his troubles, and the crossroads become a symbol of hope and possibility, as well as fear and danger.
Line by Line Meaning
I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride
I ventured to the point where two roads intersect, hoping to hitch a ride
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by
Despite being present and visible, I felt invisible as strangers ignored me one by one
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees
I prostrated myself at the intersection of the two roads
Asked the Lord above for mercy, save me if you please
I pleaded to God for forgiveness and relief from my troubles
I'm going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
I'm headed to the rural town of Rosedale, accompanied by my companion
You can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside
We can still enjoy music and partying by the riverbank
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
If you happen to bump into my friend-boy Willie Brown, tell him I'm not afraid and I'm prepared to face what's coming
And I'm standing at the crossroads, believe I'm sinking down
I'm still standing at the crossroads, but I feel like I'm slowly slipping into despair
Contributed by Charlie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.