NSU
ERIC CLAPTON &/THE CREAM Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Driving in my car, smoking my cigar,
The only time I'm happy's when I play my guitar.

Singing in my yacht, what a lot I got,
Happiness is something that just cannot be bought.

I've been in and I'm out, I've been up and down,
I don't want to go until I've been all around.

What's it all about, anyone in doubt,
I don't want to go until I've found it all out.

Overall Meaning

In the song N.S.U., Eric Clapton and Cream are describing their love for music and the freedom it brings them. The lyrics capture the essence of a musician's life, where driving in a car and smoking a cigar can be the only solace from the pains of the world. The only time they're truly happy is when they're playing their guitar, and their joy knows no bounds when singing and cruising in a yacht. They believe that happiness cannot be bought, and it's something that lies within us. They have been through a lot of ups and downs in their life, but they don't want to give up until they have experienced everything life has to offer. They question the meaning of life and what it's all about but are determined to discover it before they go.

In conclusion, the song N.S.U. is an ode to music and how it can bring happiness and freedom to our lives. It's about the pursuit of happiness and the search for meaning in life. Eric Clapton and Cream have beautifully captured the spirit of a musician's life in this song.

Line by Line Meaning

Driving in my car, smoking my cigar,
I feel content and satisfied when I am driving my car and enjoying a cigar.

The only time I'm happy's when I play my guitar.
Playing my guitar is the only thing that brings me happiness.

Singing in my yacht, what a lot I got,
Even though I have many material possessions, true happiness cannot be bought.

Happiness is something that just cannot be bought.
True happiness is not something that can be acquired through material possessions.

I've been in and I'm out, I've been up and down,
I have experienced various ups and downs in life.

I don't want to go until I've been all around.
I want to explore and experience everything before leaving this world.

What's it all about, anyone in doubt,
What is the meaning of life? If anyone is unsure or has doubts, I am also seeking answers.

I don't want to go until I've found it all out.
I want to know the true meaning of life before leaving this world.

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JACK BRUCE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@roberthenry6910

5y↑195

Only Baker would wear his own band's shirt to a reunion show! What a legend!

@tommyjames6107

4y↑5

I'm pretty sure they were selling them the day of each concert, but he still was a powerful drummer.

@motusbigchannel8827

2y↑2

Does anyone know what shirt Jack was wearing? It looks like a cool shirt.😄

@maryheim-hancock8625

2y↑3

The only time I laughed is when I played my guitar. 🎸🎸☮️☮️❤️🔥it up

@maryheim-hancock8625

2y↑4

Close your eyes and listen. Hear that? We're all 20 again!!!!!

@davechae5890

1y↑2

@@maryheim-hancock8625 were. As. Young. As. We. Will. Ever. Be. Right. Now. And. I. Feel. 19 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🤗🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘what. A. Great. Performance!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🤘

3 More Replies...

@dadgad68

6y↑164

Jack Bruce one of the most influential rock bassists of all time R.I.P.

@MichaelFLang

4y↑5

correctly spoken!

@tommyjames6107

4y↑5

Amen to that. And he hadn't lost a lick since 68.

@jimgleeson98

Errm!!! Mc.Cartney...ENTWISTLE...LYNOTT. CLOWN!
POG MO THOIN YE EEJIT!

@jimgleeson98

Prick are yet 12?

@jimgleeson98

ALL TIME? Calm down DEAR!

6 More Replies...

@eddierivera8556

5y↑131

The smile on Ginger's face is priceless, he is this whole tune with his thunderous drumming! To me he'll never die. Luv u! Ginger

@nssteampunk4865

4y↑10

RIP Ginger Baker

@nssteampunk4865

4y↑1

One year ago today we lost Ginger Baker

@susanreed2802

9y↑237

No one can jam like Cream, never have, never will

@SluffAdlin

6y↑16

I'd volunteer Hendrix, especially later in his career when he was jamming with all the jazz guys. But you're right, as a 3 piece unit. Nobody had chemistry like Cream

@strangedean

6y↑22

I don't think the musical interlude in this song can be beaten. it's absolute magic, arguably the greatest drummer, guitarist and bass player of all time at the top of there game.

@leighorders5881

5y↑7

Very Best British R&BBandEver!!!!!!!

@ScottCGrant

Sluff Adlin c

@mscformeditation

5y↑3

That's bullshit, the old Cream's improvisations are often pathetic really, Hendrix was way up there in terms of rock, Floyd are great, grateful dead and now let's not talk about Jazz right???

11 More Replies...

@kennybruder8653

5y↑45

Nice to see Jack and Ginger grinning towards each other.

@ehsbe1056

4y↑32

Ginger baker is simply one of the most musical drummers to have ever lived, some say you can still hear him playing his drums in the afterlife, RIP Ginger Baker, you've inspired multiple generations and countless generations in the future

@tacey505

on the opposite side is Joe Morello, perfectly accomplished

@trock6577

3y↑27

Loved this song for 55 years. Greatest group of 3 rock musicians ever in my opinion.

@SteelHorseRiders

1y↑2

Me too!!

@barrythebaptist18

1y↑2

one of the greatest
in one list with Rush, ELP and Motorhead

@etamommy

15w

The Police too. @@barrythebaptist18

@markdrinkard4150

7y↑35

Considering jack bruce had just come out of a coma , they still rocked

@maryheim-hancock8625

1y↑2

I don't want go till I've been all around. Don't blame me I grew up on this!!

@greasyflight6609

I am still trying to get my head how much of an impact this band has made on me.

@lucifer73

9y↑96

That sweet, jazzy, ride cymbal / snare groove that Ginger has is like buttah!

@timf913

7y↑2

Ber Zerker great rock drummer

@TomTom-xp2jb

5y↑1

Exactly!!! Ya make dem butter outta Fresh Cream!!!

@williambrodala8144

5y↑69

This was the greatest concert I ever had seen, and I had seen them all, from zep, the stones, the who, and countless others, by far the best ever. It took me 37 years to get my dream come true , a cream reunion. But it happened and it was worth the wait.

@Randyolsson

4y↑8

a cream come true

@Krabadaque

4y↑1

@@Randyolsson indeed! :)

@dr.weaklicksofcrashedcurse4535

4y↑2

It must have been a fantastic experience.

@keep_it_tidy56

3y↑1

Very envious of you. I tried to get tickets but was unsuccessful. I saw Led Zepp in 1973 & the experience has stayed with me all my life. Glad someone who could appreciate the experience got a ticket.

@henryfitch8710

2y↑1

I was offered a ticket behind the stage for £50 which was expensive in 2005. I declined the offer. Who wants to see the back of the heads of these legendary performers!

4 More Replies...

@adrianariaratnam5817

51w↑3

Man, being over 50 now, I truly miss those fantastic glory days of poetry in music! What a band!!!

@tedcrum

8y↑54

It's not a song, It's an ANTHEM.

@TheHondaman1975

6y↑59

The drumming in that song is amazing, the way Ginger hold the song together without taking over

@martinlanders

5y↑6

ian mack ,, ginger is beyond amazing in this !!!

@JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et

4y↑5

@@martinlanders I agree. Way beyond amazing on this track and the whole Cream reunion. Lights out! RIP Ginger and Jack.

@j.m.harrincourt2208

1y↑2

That's why I read it into comments, whether did anyone else notice this?...

@chrispypancake

1y↑12

Slowly worked my way through the concert again and each track is making me incredulous at just how talented these three were and how they fed off each other's skills. I can't think of any of the current crop of musical talent that could match let alone beat them for skill on their instruments.

@susanreed2802

9y↑86

I can't get enough of this, probably my favorite concert dvds I own,,highly recommend it

@SluffAdlin

6y↑5

I second that, Cream was pushed to the back burner after the 60's. Other than 'White Room', Sunshine, and the occasional "Crossroads". I can't get them to play any Cream.

@TheTestingGrounds

5y↑6

This is definitely one of the best concert dvds ever. The playing is brilliant.

@williambrodala8144

5y↑5

I saw them at the garden, greatest concert I ever saw, and I've seen them all, the zep, the dead, the who ,and the list goes on.

@travelinben1966

3y↑10

Cream influenced me more than any band ever.I became a player for decades because of them.Thank you so much Eric,Jack,and Ginger.I love you all.

@mikesaunders4775

4y↑20

I feel sorry for those few people who gave this the thumbs down ,to be oblivious to the brilliance of these three master musicians.

@user-cl5ks4we1w

6w↑1

As a drummer , i consider Ginger to be the most innovative American drummer i’ve ever heard . Outrageous

@supsailor1885

6w↑1

Ginger was a Londoner! A Cockney!

@CarlosMartinez-bd8cj

4y↑9

Once in a lifetime band. 👍

@SuperElgringo1

5y↑14

The best trio to grace that stage, hands down.

@williambrodala8144

I agree with you, Hendrix experience was a copy of them. Best group ever, greatest concert I ever saw

@MrHobbit60

10y↑72

That tone! My God - THAT TONE!

Probably the best guitar tone I have ever heard. Perfection.

@justafanintexas7913

6y↑9

Agreed, now imagine if Fender hadn't underwritten the cost for this tour, Clapton could have used the Gibson with Marshall Stax, like they did in rehearsal and blown the roof of of RAH.

@Claymor621

6y↑6

Is that the real reason? I thought they tried in rehearsal and didn't think it was working. I was disappointed at first they hadn't used the old gear on maybe one number but this sound has grown on me. Stormy Monday from these concerts is an epic sound.

@ricklewis5804

6y↑6

justafanintexas
Why didn’t Fender insist that JB play one or more of their bass guitars? Eric could play an old used $700 guitar and make it sound great. The talent is in the player not the instrument

@justafanintexas7913

Rick Lewis - Because Clapton was the executive producer of the show, sought the sponsorship and was under their thumb.

@justafanintexas7913

6y↑2

Claymor - My company handled the sound for the RAH and MSG shows and during rehearsal Clapton broke out the Gibson and Marshalls. First rehearsed tune was Crossroads and the room exploded upon completion. Then the Fender people stepped in and put the kybosh on it.

9 More Replies...

@JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et

4y↑6

Great performance on this song. One of if not Clapton's best rock solos post 1995. Bruce and Baker....GD amazing on this cut.

@azul8811

Well put.

@Carlos-xz3vi

4y↑9

What makes Ginger Baker such a great drummer is that he can keep that beat going with amazing time, flow and smoothness, and not overpower the song. As a drummer that is super difficukt to do, and every drummer would tell you the same thing.

@vanshipman

9y↑81

Baker is killing it...I love especially 3:15!!!

@dannydine5263

6y↑1

He sure is man.Talk about one driving Mo Fo.

@shawnpwatsons1

5y↑4

I was noticing in this entire series that he just never is not spot on. Fantastic time keeper.

@terrybono5995

i love the part at 4:24

@shirleyhubbert5547

3y↑6

They each inspired the others ...respected the others talent. Let it flow naturally

@maggieg2824

7y↑27

Just because there is snow on the roof doesn't mean there isn't fire in the belly! Cream proves it decades later.

@be3016

Oh you are so right about that. Well said. Can't stop listening to them even 12 years on ...

@johnmartin2470

Dig you

@crvenibozo

10y↑37

R.I.P. Mr Bruce

@sixstringstrummer-ek6il

37w↑1

That was perfection

@jimmynooyandnon5573

1y↑5

The most incredible rock band of 60s... Clapton Bruce ang Baker they played with heart and soul.They made great historical.RIP JACK BRUCE.

@williamleeming4082

3y↑6

Cream was one of the tightest bands that I have ever heard. I wish I could of got to see them live. Three fine musicians! Talent is beyond words. We miss your music.

@rc2464

4y↑3

CREAM performed the greatest jams in rock history. The world is grateful for their time on this earth.

@winstonodell3867

6y↑4

Every once in a while, I’ll come back to watch this video and be astounded again. I have the DVD’s too.
BUT, where are the equivalent performers in our present generation? Please don’t suggest anyone in popular media.

@Straker1923

Love the way Eric and Jack stared at one another near the end! Totally in the groove with each other!

@BillBean104

6y↑24

Ginger was the star on that song for sure! Amazing musicians to say the very least!

@jayrobb9

7y↑11

Gods among musicians, all three. RIP Jack.

@JorgeFernandez-ww2np

4y↑5

Wonderful! The best power-trio in the history!

@stephenlesliebrown5959

7y↑29

That groove by Eric from 3:51 to 4:30 is out of this world.

@marcushohmusic

3y↑9

He was so close to playing the Home Depot theme

@satire5995

3y↑3

@@marcushohmusic That is the best comment I've seen on the internet. LMAO bravo!!!

@internet1619

1y↑2

@@marcushohmusic man... You made my day lmfao

@rubikovakocka1693

37w

immaculate. so good

@iantpls

23w

@@marcushohmusic oh my what a comment. Magic.

@bensousan225

10y↑17

One more great musician leaving us for a better world ,reminds me my younger days back in 1974...time is passing by fast ..RIP Jack Bruce .

@michaelsmith-bn6no

51w

As Yogi Berra once said: "It's getting late earlier.........."

@tommyjames6107

4y↑6

One hell of a powerful concert. Cream still had it in spades in 2005!

@youcrazyrabbit6760

6y↑9

One of the best bands ever!!!

@williampettengill5851

6y↑5

So sad the Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker had to have spats. I was a Cream fan back in the early 70's and thought I would NEVER see them play again. They did this series right square on their game and I'm happy I get to see it!

@gregb8565

35w

Live cream volume 1 was the greatest hard rock live album imho - put millions thru hours of spinal tap like - ‘let’s go have lunch and geta pedicure’ moments of drum bass and guitar solos. But it was heaven when it was unique and new.

@juttakleyensteiber2455

3y↑4

Cream...one of the best groups ever✌🎼🎵🎶

@michaeltomas4021

4y↑10

I never knew Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce were this incredible..We all knew about Clapton

@okantichrist

3y↑5

To be honest we all knew about Ginger and Jack too 🤔

@mcdaniels6188

2y↑1

We knew first listening to the brilliance of Cream.

@photographerjonathan

46w↑2

It's just so good. three really good tasteful musicians all working off each other perfectly. they made so much great music in such a short period of time. and and over fifty years later it still rocks and is still special. I wish I could've seen this show. the Royal Albert Hall is such a cool place for a concert. such a lucky audience.

@daveoz8991

4y↑2

THIS IS ROCK N' ROLL KIDS !!!

@rick00770

Love the song , it was one of my favorites of theirs.

@alonzogarbanzo

9y↑14

So we all have different tastes, yes. For some odd reason, this is my favorite performance from the 2005 reunion concerts; kind of a slight song, I always thought, but over the 6 minutes the trio throws down as hard as I ever heard them do; and I think EC absolutely rips on an unusually restrained and tasteful solo, in the midst of that intricate trio jam. They don't make 'em like this no more. RIP Jack.

@patrickcollins2353

3y↑23

This sounds like what Cream was shooting for when they originally formed the band -- free jazz-rock, infused with blues and swing. Baker is phenomenal here, isn't he?

@user-hu5ol9uv4l

14w

Baker N1🥁🥁🙏

@chb1826

10y↑9

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G Guitar Tone Maybe the Best Guitar Tone . i have ever Heard In my live , Clapton Its a Monster .. OMG

@blainedouglas5357

4y↑4

3 absolute masters at work here! Fucking amazing!

@pirpirpir-os7ms

1y↑3

fret-less bass? yes. amazing ❤

@brentharmonmusicproduction

20w

Gibson EB-3 Bass

@timothyfoleyjr2796

5y↑5

Man I saw these guys in 1968 . . . Here three guys who couldn’t get much tighter. This is what 1960s electrical blues was all about.

@SteelHorseRiders

1y↑2

Can not get enough of this song! My favorite song by Cream!

@TheRadianc3

4y↑9

My face would be so intense during these drum fills, but I guess Ginger is just used to being so awesome.

@johnallen2771

4y↑6

Oh yeah, this is what it's all about. I was also on "Owsley's shit" when I heard them in LA in I think it was '67. That was one incredible night that I'll never forget. Each one of them was amazing but I keep coming back to Ginger Baker. I have honestly never heard anyone play like him in the last 50 years and I've seen a lot of groups. Even when he is laying back he is always right there. He is the first one to use multiple bass drums I think. He doesn't just play the beat, he plays his drums like they are another guitar or bass or something. Hard to put into words.

@RC-NY

35w

Jack & Ginger jamming together again. Heaven's first power duo.

@johnallenismynameandmusici2796

2y↑2

I saw them at the Whiskey in 1967. I was visiting my sister in Huntington Beach and I saw that Cream was going to be playing. So I went and I think it was $3 cover charge with a two-drink minimum. I was smoking some prime cannabis and taking acid and while we were out back smoking Jack came out and took a toke. He was really cool and didn't act like a big star or anything. The thing that was always confusing to me was the very beginning of the song. I think it starts out in 5/4 timing and then moves to 4/4. It's hard to tell. Yes, Ginger was absolutely incredible on drums and it was hard to take your eyes off him to look at Eric and Jack. But they were all consummate professionals on their individual instruments. I've seen "Beware Mr. Baker" and I've read his book. Ginger was a terrible person to those around him but he lived for the drums. I've seen a lot of bands in my 70 years but I've never seen a better drummer than Ginger. He pounded on those drums like he was in Africa (where he studied). I think Ginger was capable of playing the drums for 24 hours straight.

@user-ns4mi2kx8m

10y↑4

I'm very very sad to know such a great musician has passed away.
May you rest in peace and go on to play music in another world.
See you there, Mr. Bruce.

@waltermameli2026

5y↑6

They were not men.....they were supermen.....they were the Cream of Rock n Roll.....they will live forever.....

@pkf81366

5y↑2

Hard to believe Ginger Baker will be 80 this year

@fins59

I love my NSU Prinz, i'm so glad they wrote a song about it.

@jwmeirose

5y↑4

Absolutely otherworldly!

@jettrink7510

5y↑3

Oct 6th... Ginger Baker
You were a good man.

@enduringnomad8385

50w↑1

Great audio and video. thank you

@dr.barrycohn5461

3y↑3

Sure glad the boys reunion happened. Jack is hitting it.

@floydharris3867

3y↑2

My all time favorite album - Live Cream. NSU best version.

@nssteampunk4865

4y↑1

One year ago today we lost Ginger Baker

@davidpike9590

3y↑2

Real musicians, playing as only real musicians can!
Who else is watching this in June 2021?! Brilliant!

@edfulginiti8798

5y↑3

Cream...always rises to the top!

@YANN69440

4y↑2

VERY GREAT ! (for me a return of 50 years back. Each musician is super good !)

@TuanSandman

2y↑2

Really really love this version

@Malcolm701

9y↑17

Clapton is truly a great singer...

@CyrusOG666

6y↑2

By far the best of this set

@shirleyhubbert5547

7y↑3

the best live band ever

@davescheff8474

37w↑1

During the guitar jam, Ginger's playing upbeats on the hi hat. How freaking cool is that?????

@camronbay1

5y↑3

Perfect.

@garyckratz

1y↑1

The closest song to their past!

@drlecter8145

5y↑3

Thank you CREAM..RIP Jack

@lopezb

2y↑1

I was listening at 1.5 by mistake and couldn't believe how fast they were playing-anyway back to normal speed- they sound better than ever!!!!

@CarterCourtney

I played it at 1.25x. 😉✌🏻

@1AGRIPPINAONE

6y↑1

Remember their first gig at Wardour street AMAZING I then felt I was blessed. I had a pint with Eric and his mum at the Ship pub ...he was a wonderful person
..BLESS YOU ERIC SO IMPORTANT IN MY LIFE

@YouzTube99

@1AGRIPPINA

You were in the right place at the right time.

@rubikovakocka1693

37w

they in fact sound so good here.
almost like they turned back the clock...

@davidpease3516

5y↑2

My favorite band.

@hendrikbodeman849

6y↑3

Best Band ever! Jack Bruce Rip

@SteelHorseRiders

Now Ginger too. Rest in peace.

@wolfedavid3700

3y↑1

this never gets old.............go forever.............read eric and gingers books............

@stephenomara1109

I was there this night brilliant

@chriszelez7970

4y↑2

Another great one. What a powerful trio.

@robertkelly6282

2y↑3

45 years later slower tempo but tight wow

@66vapor66

5y↑6

Amazing how they managed to pull this song off at their age. Wtf

@bobm549

3y↑1

One of the best, just watching Ginger , seems effortless .

@beckjuly100

12y↑2

this is sublime! dang! I wish cream would never never stop! thank you theeshrimpking!

@m.carolineszoke5548

6y↑1

WoooooooW! Perfect playing,excellent & evergreen song!THANKS!♥️✌🎸🎸🎸🥁🎶💗👑♥️

@paco5503

5y↑3

Ginger was a freight train on this. They all great!

@MrDavesf

6y↑1

Love how they nail that short bar in the chorus. Smooth as silk. God rest you, Jack Bruce, and be well Eric and Ginger...

@Mansondandy

5y↑1

Get well soon Mr. Baker, Healing Prayers

@MRJIMIHNDRX

3y↑2

Nobody was playing sounds like that in 1966..
But then 'Are You Experienced' came out & everything changed.
But these guys had the vocals..

@Weshopwizard

1y↑1

That’s a warm, cozy fuzz tone he’s got there.

@kevintobin250

1y↑1

Simply amazing!

@mikeedmikeedmikeed

12y↑1

NSU--The first lines of the song say, "Drive in my car/Smoke my cigar..." NSU was a European (German) auto and motorcycle manufacturer, eventually purchased by Volkswagen and reformed as the manufacturer Audi.

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