Politician
ERIC CLAPTON &/THE CREAM Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
I just want to show you what my politics are.

I'm a political man and I practice what I preach.
I'm a political man and I practice what I preach.
So don't deny me baby, not while you're in my reach.

I support the left, though I'm leaning, leaning to the right.
I support the left, though I'm leaning, leaning to the right.
But I'm not there when it's coming to a fight.

Hey now baby, get into my big black car.

Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
I just want to show you what my politics are.

Overall Meaning

The song "Politician" by Eric Clapton & The Cream is a satirical commentary on the world of politics. The lyrics depict a man who is trying to impress a woman by showing her his "big black car" and claiming to practice what he preaches in politics. However, he confesses to supporting the left while also leaning towards the right and not being present in confrontational situations.

The song seems to be criticizing politicians who are hypocritical and untrustworthy, claiming to support certain values but not actually acting upon them. The line "I'm a political man and I practice what I preach" could be interpreted as ironic, as the character's actions and beliefs do not seem to align with this statement. The song also touches on the idea of power and influence, as the character tries to assert his dominance over the woman by flaunting his political beliefs.

Overall, "Politician" is a clever and witty take on the world of politics, using music to convey a complex message about power, influence, and hypocrisy.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
I'm trying to entice you to come with me and see my political views.

I just want to show you what my politics are.
I want to share my political opinions with you.

I'm a political man and I practice what I preach.
I actively engage in politics and follow through with my beliefs.

So don't deny me baby, not while you're in my reach.
I want you to listen to my political views while I have your attention.

I support the left, though I'm leaning, leaning to the right.
Even though I tend to agree with conservative views, I still align more with liberal politics.

But I'm not there when it's coming to a fight.
I may have political views, but I am not willing to physically fight for them.

Hey now baby, get into my big black car.
Once again, I am inviting you to join me and learn more about my political beliefs.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JACK BRUCE, PETE BROWN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Jadon Fernandes

5y↑4

[Verse 1]
Hey now, baby
Get into my big black car
Hey now, baby
Get into my big black car
I want to just show you
What my politics are

[Verse 2]
I'm a political man
And I practice what I preach
I'm a political man
And I practice what I preach
So don't deny me, baby
Not while you're in my reach

[Verse 3]
I support the left
Though I'm leaning, leaning to the right
I support the left
Though I'm leaning to the right
But I'm just not there
When it's coming to a fight

[Guitar Solo]

[Verse 1]
Hey now, baby
Get into my big black car
Hey now, baby
Get into my big black car
I want to just show you
What my politics are

All comments from YouTube:

Turgut Kartal

5y↑80

I love Clapton's approach in this performance. The "sloppy, slimey" solo really contributes to the overall feel of the song. Awesome!

Red Pill Pharmacy

3y↑7

Yes, it’s a really lecherous solo. Perfect for the song.

robert kelly

2y↑6

Like our elected officials

John Allen is my name and music is my game

2y↑16

The smiling, friendly feelings these guys had for each other was amazing. I saw them in LA in '67. But seeing them aged (as I have also aged) I can feel how good it feels to them. Each was a virtuoso at their particular instrument and when they got together it was a challenge for them. I could tell Clapton hadn't been challenged like that in quite a while and he dug it. Jack was the humble one, really, Ginger had always thought of himself as one of the greatest drummers (he was the greatest imo) and Eric had so much commercial success. So Jack was kind of the glue to this trio (after he and Ginger were buddies again). I don't think I've ever seen a concert when 3 people were so tuned into to each other, so aware, they were clicking on all 8 cylinders and they knew it and that's why they were laughing and smiling, they knew they still had it and they were having a ball. RIP Jack and Ginger.

Anthony Gerace

31w

Clapton was/is a brilliant guitar player, but he was at his best when he was with musicians that challenged him -- in Cream, Blind Faith and Derek and the Dominoes with Duane Allman. When he's not being challenged he's not at his best. True of many performers, I guess.

Warren Brewin

4y↑30

Jack Bruce is one of the great all time rock vocalists. Love him.

lvbbbasdsjcjm

12y↑32

What a voice after all these years! Jack Brice is superb.

T Thoy

3y↑18

Jack Bruce really was a great frontman, bassist, and singer

sdbolt65

11y↑92

Jack Bruce has some killer bass runs in this song.

John Smith

3y↑7

Did anyone ever noticed how many important bands are there, in which the leader, or at least one of the main members, is the bass guitarist 🎸 ?
How about The Police, Rush, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, KISS, Cream …

Walter Thomas The Hippopotamus

@John Smith Entwistle also IMO... Dude was irreplaceable on the Bass!

John Smith

@Walter Thomas The Hippopotamus
John was a great bass player.
However, he wasn’t THE main guy / one of the main guys in his band, that’s why I did not include The Who in my list above.

Robert Miller

1y↑1

@John Smith Thin Lizzy, Motorhead

Robert Steinberg

8y↑75

Great to see Clapton stepping up his game to play with his old Cream band mates. RIP Jack Bruce. You were awesome!!

Pablo Pérez

4y↑4

Rip Ginger too

Carol Wolf

5y↑45

Jack Bruce. What a great singer. Along with his genius bass playing. R.I.P. you beautiful man.

Thiago Alves Camargo

2y↑3

Quando vc vê um trio aí vc sabe que o guitarrista é o melhor.....
Salve Eric Clapton...

g04922

2y↑4

One of the greatest bass players of all time. Watch him play - without frets. Amazing

RastaSaiyaman

Err... no, the bass he plays here DOES have frets.

1 More Replies...

Walter Mameli

5y↑26

50 years later they sounded just like it was yesterday.....Quite remarkable.....

ColtraneTaylor

4y↑2

35 years.

Adrian Wollaston

8y↑94

Jack Bruce - genius at work.

Carl Bates

8y↑4

One of the best ever bassists, the bloke is a genius, same goes for Eric and Ginger

peter mills

His album ' Harmony Row' is amazing . As a kid I 1st heard that through elder brothers & did'nt like at all ! him & Pete Brown lyrics I think ? great album.

Matthew Stein

5y↑34

Best trio ever, hands down!!!!!!!!

Rob Connors

4y↑1

I agree....

Ledkekejdjdjd

4y↑2

Hendrix exp?

Deniz Oktay

4y↑7

Zomby Woof Rush couldn't carry Ginger's drumsticks, let alone be better than Cream

david condra

cs&n and the bee gees would be hard to beat but I did love cream. Cream just broke up to sooon.

2 More Replies...

Richard Reesman

5y↑28

Jack Bruce was one of a kind...RIP

William Mills

3y↑5

They always play different when they are together. They push themselves and each other. Thats talent that musicianship thats Cream

The Dolphin

5y↑9

When whole brilliant rock songs were conceived from a single 10 note riff which just blasts into consciousness, expands into the most incredibly syncopated piece of blues and then lives forever.

Fernando Garajalde

4y↑6

In the pocket drumming, laid back bass riffs,that “slow hand” solo... this is how a band should be.

Dr. Barry Cohn

3y↑4

This one written with Pete Brown the great poet and lyricist. Great song from my high school years. Timeless, holds up well today and perhaps more so.

RastaSaiyaman

6y↑40

LOVE that deep punch of that Gibson bass.

John Mc Cann

2y↑2

Pure class!

thomas moje

5y↑26

I rather like this live version of 'Politician'..clean, funky, good solid bass line and of course Eric Clapton's impeccable playing. All three musicians virtuosos at their instruments. RIP Jack Bruce.

Alienart

12y↑11

No risk taking? Just getting back together after 150 years or whatever is risk enough!. I'm grateful to have gotten to see history being made. (And I *must* have this DVD)

Mark Haus

3y↑1

I have that DVD and it's freaking great!

Alvaro Aguilar

4y↑9

If you guys focus on ginger’s drumming it’s so freaking tight!! RiP ginger 😭 rest easy my hero:(

Mancunian Candidate

4y↑2

It's a thing of beauty for sure! Such a deep feeling coming from the drums.

J P

7y↑33

I love it when Jack looks, smiling back at Ginger after the change from that thickness that was Cream that started around 2:50. they probably wanted to kill each other during that run, but also shared some great times together. They sure changed my life and playing. humbly....

Alejandro Gonzalez

Do you play bass or drums? (Or maybe bass and drums)

Possibly

@Alejandro Gonzalez he's probably alluding to how much they hated each other back then

T Bone

8y↑36

Jack Bruce on bass...brilliant.

JC Edwards

8y↑5

AND vocals ........... not easy

Arthur Fleck

JB o b

Red Pill Pharmacy

3y↑5

Such a lecherous guitar solo. Perfect for this song.

Russell Villinger

10y↑14

THE PRO`S,THE SOUL OF ROCK , GREAT SOUND TO LISTEN TO ALWAYS FROM THE BEST .

Salvo

2y↑2

So Bad-Ass, I could live with this in my stereo system forever🔊🔊

russell ramsay

3y↑1

After all these years and still rip these classics to the musical edge.

SUSAN JOYCE Sabo

3y↑1

Damn, they were so good! A few years ago I had the pleasure of seeing a concert by the descendants of the original band and also buying the DVD right afterward. They autographed the DVD and I chatted a bit with the son of Ginger Baker.

Astro War

7y↑1

I wasn't alive during their hay day so it was amazing they played live and I could get to watch them. A proper proper band.

Teddy Walter

3y↑1

They sound so freaking good man.

Ali KHAN

10y↑9

Three of the BEST Musicians,but Ginger Backer is the TOP of all,more than seventy Years old und playing the drums better than fourty years before,-Who could strike him:There is no recent drummer,who could use the Bass-Machines like Ginger Baker!!!

Zakaria Benabedrabou

Ali KHAN Keith Moon

NeedlessKane

12y↑1

It's badass that Ginger is using the same sizzle rides that used back in the day.

tuxguys

5y↑1

(...and at 2:53, they share a brain...)
Watch them tolerate each other between tunes, so that they can get to the next tune, and be, once again, the Greatest Rock Band of All Time.
(Addendum, 10 months later)
As Brilliant as EC's solo (reliably, always) is, his fills between JB's vocal lines in this performance are even more so.

Malcolm Hamerston

8y↑1

Thank you for putting this up...one of my faves.

Tim Brown

Outstanding!

David Patton

10y↑57

Cream, not Zep, was/is (by God they are all still alive) the best Rock band in history. The best writing (Bruce/Brown), voice and Bass (Jack Bruce) Guitar (Clapton) and percussionist perfectly suited to their attitude (Baker). No need to make excuses for their ages. They still have The Force. I wish they could permanently reform and, with the Stones, show following generations how they were so much better they are than the transient sh*t that passes for music now. Its not nostalgia like Count Basie or Guy Lombardo. There is a raw, elemental visceral quality unavailable now. Watch 20-something Japanese girls in the audience lost in the music because it speaks to them. Who the f*ck was Guns N Roses, anyway. I can't recall.

Carl Bates

8y↑2

Agreed they were all the best in their fields

AREAL0YINZER

7y↑2

LOVE THEM BOTH, ZEP AND CREAM, BY ZEP BY A NOSE

Ryan Nathanson

6y↑2

I think the experience, cream, zep are the same tier. J beck group is too, just worse circumstances

kevinindublin

6y↑5

Cream are great, but more one-dimensional than Zepp. Things were at a different point during Cream's time. You can't really compare the two.

Vincent Byrne

6y↑1

@David Patton Cream were terrific but not better than Zeppelin. Naturally people will give you lots of thumbs up for saying that on a Cream video. But come on, just listen to Levee Breaks ffs.

9 More Replies...

P _SG

4y↑1

Heard versions of this with Gary Moore, Robin Trower and Rory Gallagher playing lead (who apparently hadn't heard the song until Jack Bruce explained the riff 10 seconds before they came on stage!). RG wins hands down. Check the video. What a phenomenal and underrated talent he was!

prakis1958

Yeah, that's a great version. Once Rory got into the groove, he really killed it. He looked a bit unwell at that point but his playing was incredible.

MrZootalores

5y↑52

Jack wrote this 'cause he was from Scotland but it's a plague world over of corruption I adored this song 50 yrs ago as a teen. Love you Jack ,i'll never forget you, you're my hero

Jon (looseparts)

4y↑4

Sorry. The lyrics of almost all of Jack Bruce's songs ()including this one) were written by English performance poet Pete Brown

madeleine128

3y↑1

@Jon (looseparts) i think they somewhat worked together on lyrics. Plus i know from watching a jack bruce documentary that he disliked politicians that ask what kind of a society we want but do little to help but make the rich richer.

Gary Marshall Ellis

3y↑1

I did not know Jack was from Scotland... I have roots there, Irving, Johnston, Foster... Corruption undermines all country's, and all forms of government.. All-way's has.. Trump tried to clean it up....

Dr. Barry Cohn

Everyone forgets that Jack Bruce was one half of a team with his pal Pete Brown who wrote most of the psychedelic lyrics of Cream's anthems.

Mark Haus

@Gary Marshall Ellis that's right!

thomas moje

5y↑2

I like this version..there's hope I can play 'Politician' on drums yet. Always had a hard time figuring out what Ginger was doing on 'Politician' but he's playing it in pretty much straight '4' in this version I think I could manage it playing it the way Ginger plays in this version. Play like Ginger Baker? nah..he's a classic.

samuel sessions

Really great comments below. One thing often overlooked about Clapton (especially Clapton doubters(?)) is that how well he accompanies a lead singer. Just as he does with instrumentalists he understands what Jack Bruce is doing, and aside from playing the basic riff during the vocals, he does fills in moving back to that and leading up to Bruce’s next entry. Clapton is certainly one f the best ever at doing this.

Strat man Strat man

3y↑2

It ashame they didn't stay together they had amazing musical chemistry on top of being some of best musican in rock roll history , they were great but never as good when they were together

R W

7y↑4

THEEE BEST ROCK SONG EVER WRITTEN AND PREFORMED.... Period.

Jadon Fernandes

5y↑4

jack rudolph

12y

I agree Eric is still a formidable blues player. I prefer there live version Goodby.

Chris Kunke

5y↑1

amazing!

Larry Linden

3y↑3

Clapton should have borrowed his old Gibson "Fool" SG from the museum its gathering dust in... That would have been epic!

Dave Cooper

Not many trios can top that !

Andrew Dekovitch

49w

Yeah cuz there's not very many trios

Modgie Modge

6y↑2

This is the best live ever, ever, ever... now stream something

the popmodule

4y↑9

I don't know man, Clapton's tone was never as great as the bluesbreaker/cream days - These tunes sound anemic without humbuckers and Marshalls

John Doe

4y↑1

The popmodule —

I WAS ABOUT TO SAY!
These Cream songs don’t sound satisfying without a Gibson ES 335 with the famous Gibson PAF. The notes seem to die off too fast. And they don’t have the boldness.

fins59

We wouldn't know because the quality of the recordings back then was nothing like as good as this.

the popmodule

@fins59 Yeah we would, because we all know what 335 into Marshall sounds like.

fins59

2y↑2

@the popmodule Then we'll have to agree to disagree, as I would far rather listen to this than the sound of the old days.

jmgmarcus

8y↑183

I always felt like this song was like an elephant walk.

Buddy Ollie

7y↑7

jmgmarcus Yeah it does doesn't it?

doubleddrummer

7y↑20

That was the coolest description of this song I ever heard! Now I will always picture that. ha ha

Bill Bryan

6y↑5

My son did his first dance to this a couple yrs ago when he was about 3. He would put his hands out in front of him and bounced them a couple of times then stepped forward foot by foot as he switched his arms to match. I can still see it. Ya know, those were the days! And still are! RIP JB

Jordan Dangelo

5y↑3

Great description

Anthony Szwec

4y↑5

Rip Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Love playing this on the the guitar.

15 More Replies...

Dortega12

6y↑8

Big fan forever for Zep but this Show is better than the o2 concert

Mohamed Ehab

4y↑11

R.I.P jack and ginger
Eric, last man standing

John Smith

And this is after Eric was for such a long time “on his way out” :) He said in an interview that there is a period of 2-3 years he cannot remember what went on during that time.
What a brilliant recovery !

Mohamed Ehab

@John Smith he's a struggle.

Keith Graham

4y↑2

I find it weird that Ginger Baker looks younger here than he did in the 70s lol

320 Parks

super faithful recreation ...if you prefer the strat over the SG. still pretty muscular late in life. hot show.

Scott G

5y↑3

Ginger was 66 when he did this gig..Not one fucking mistakes from any of them. Eric 61 and Jack 63.Iam 65 Since I am a kid i have been listening to Cream.I remember when i was in New York and picked up Fresh Cream.I said what is this. Now i know!!What amazes me uis after all the drugs listen to Ginger i mean all of them. I play bass professionally and i remember when i was going to sleep one night, i had the radio on and Spoonful came on.

Jim Cook

Just missing a Wah-Wah peddle on this one. He's get the rest of the board all set on 10!!

Andthensome

6y↑4

Modern television/video live mixes suck compared to old ones. The sound techs isolate the instruments way too much for their signals. Listen to Cream farewell concert, Who Live at Leeds, Woodstock, even Kiss Alive. Those are great live recording and mixing.

Kelly Gold

Fellas found themselves in a groove and it was GOOD

mrearlygold

6y↑58

way better than led zeppelin. Much deeper menu of songs and thoughts

Carlos Prada

4y↑5

@Ben Stolz well, Jack dissed from many other talented musicians. I mean, don't get me wrong, Cream were very talented, but they also had huge egos.

the popmodule

4y↑4

I love both of them as drummers but yeah chalk and cheese. I personally prefer Ginger.

Romulo Carbungco

Yes

Satyam Raj

@tom66joad 😂😂😂😂

6 More Replies...

R W

7y↑6

RIP Bruce ,,, sorry I missed you.

JC Edwards

7y↑8

I sure miss you Jack

snapfinger1

51w

Clapton changed parties going from a Gibson to a Fender.

Breath in Breath out

28w

Erics solo....tis what my politics are

S0HNAR

That's some dope politics

carlos arturo gevara.amaya

todasumusicaes increiblesu tem thecream muymuy increible

Miwof

12y

@cymbalhead6 ...this is not fair. At least from ~2:57 on Eric takes full risks and pours his heart out... The fire is gone with 60+, o.k., but everything other is near perfect, no routine performance...

Kris Scanlon

God returned of only briefly to play heavy duty

Sean Buchert

12y↑1

@rabbithog Jack said he really wanted to play I Feel Free but it was hard! Probably why they didn't play Strange Brew.

Just Another Blader

3y↑1

I loved this reunion for what it was. But everyone saying they sound just like they used to… you need your ears checked. In particular Clapton and Baker sound nothing like their 25 yr old selves, and it’s not just cause EC is using a Strat. EC doesn’t play the same style of licks anymore as his Cream days, and Baker used to sound like a literal thunderstorm.

Heretic, Hero

Dude who cares. Just got watch & enjoy

Sam Libman

9y↑48

That guy at 1:22... He's in the front row, and he looks like he's just watching goldfish. I bet he's a politician.

Paul Grubbs

5y↑2

Bet he is PW too. His "girlfriend" drug him there.

Burnzy1976

5y↑1

Right? What a dud!

David100net

Isn't that mike ashley?

Pablo Pérez

4y↑3

I am ThE man at 1:22. I have read your comment. Know that I Will sue you as soon as I can get in touch with my lawyers

Mitch

lol

1 More Replies...

Kred Nevalga

5y↑2

Can you all stop comparing Zep to Cream

Geoffrey Harold

R.I.P. JACK BRUCE

ZACKAMANIA

11y

I like the shot of ECs Visvim loafers...about $2200

Paul

in the 60s, Eric Clapton played a Gibson SG. Why did he start playing a Strat? Why doesn’t he play an SG? He sounded better on an SG

Larry Linden

Hendrix

Frank Stecker

Great great. Cream

Peter Yianilos

35w

Clapton’s playing here approaches a waste of time for me. It’s been many years since I’ve heard him enhance a band’s performance.

Said Muhammad Izzat

6y↑3

Looks like clapton trying to tell us that politicians are evil with that simple note🤣🤣. Not by the lyrics.

jack rudolph

12y

The fire is gone.There is no risk taking in there music. Just playing it cool. They should have had a reunion concert twenty years ago when they could still kik out the jams

Hugh S. Hay

BROOOOOOOOOOOOCE!

Koichi Hirata

若い奴ら中心に大ブルースブームが世界的に起こる。

valentin stutz

So Gentle Bruce...

charlie drake

12y↑4

great band, i bought the D.V.D, why didnt they play STRANGE BREW ?

Boat Axe

I wonder who will be driving the big black car tomorrow? Maybe she/ he will crank this song.

Al Caruso Jr

,Jack Bruce had Terrible management after CREAM He should have been as Huge as Clapton for starters his Voice is and will be one of the Greatest in Music

Ronald van Middendorp

Whatever happened to all the fantastic cameramen?

GreenmanXIV

10y↑19

Says all you need to know about fecking politicians, in one song.

ThomasMetal75

12y↑4

TURN UP THE GAIN AND FUZZ, COME ON!

Mark Kuhnen

How is that an elephant walk?! Strange, but it's alright, we're not doing the same drug at the moment, no offense, I just felt wonderment at your critique, it's cool, keep rocking, peace

AREAL0YINZER

7y↑2

WAKE THE FUCK UP, GREATEST CONCERT, EVER, STFI

themilksnatcher

Any else think of the Grange Hill theme tune?

Jed Lewis

8y↑1

Doesn't Jack Bruce look like Trevor Howard. "into the valley of death rode the six hundred."

Obscured Lee

11y

tone change at 2:54

Neonleeroy

0.14 ...gotta be jacks son...looks the spit of him

wolfkarel

8y↑1

Jack Attack!

Obscured Lee

11y

same mics too. minus the 58 on the snare.

Jay Turner

Only reason I've ever wanted a black car tbh

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