Crossroads
Derek & The Dominos / Eric Clapton Lyrics
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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
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
The lyrics to "Crossroads" by Derek & The Dominos (Eric Clapton) describe a man's journey to a crossroads in his life where he attempts to flag down a ride but is ignored by everyone who passes by. It is said that this "crossroads" represents a cross-shaped intersection just outside of Clarksdale, Mississippi where legend has it that famous bluesman Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his musical talent. The singer in the lyrics then falls to his knees and prays to the Lord for mercy and salvation. The references to Rosedale and Willie Brown are thought to be references to other blues musicians who played in the area.
The song is a classic blues tune about the struggles of life and the search for redemption. The repeated mention of the crossroads symbolizes the choices we make and the paths we take in life. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and the hope for a better tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
I went down to the crossroads
The singer travelled to the crossroads.
Tried to flag a ride
The singer attempted to hitchhike.
Nobody seemed to know me
The people passing by did not recognize the singer.
Everybody passed me by
No one gave the artist a ride.
Fell down on my knees
The artist fell to the ground in a desperate plea.
Ask the Lord above for mercy
The singer called out to a higher power for help.
Save me if you please
The singer hoped to be rescued or aided in some way.
Taking my rider by my side
The artist is accompanied by his lover on this journey.
You can still barrelhouse, baby
The artist's companion is still capable of playing lively music.
They call us on the riverside
Their music is appreciated and requested by people living near the river.
Go and tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
The singer is sending a message to their acquaintance, Willie Brown.
And I'm standing at the crossroads
The artist is still located at the crossroads.
I believe I'm sinking down
The singer feels as though their situation is becoming worse and more difficult.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Robert Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
nufc forlife
A brutal blues rock masterpiece
Jynx 13
Best Clapton ever played.
Wish he had more variety to his collection.
Caleb Bones
one of my favorite songs and probably my favorite version of it
Dave D
My very favorite off the Crossroads Box Set. With all the great unreleased material it was worth every penny 30 years ago.
Robert Anderson
Awesome jam 🎸 Awesome !!! As much as I hate to admit it, it may even be better than Creams version !!! ❤❤❤😎😎😎👊👊👊💩 yeah
Scott Marcum
My favorite version of crossroads...
Wiley Wesson
Still like his sound on a Gibson over the Strat ... He's without a doubt a gifted player with either
Andrew Bradford
Great post! Never heard this version of Crossroads, cool style. Dig the Led Zeppelin "Lemon Song" lyric interjection too ! Nice guitar tone. rgds
Connor Selby
you mean travelling riverside blues by RJ
G. Starkstrom
Its a Robert Johnson thing mate