James was born fifty miles north of Jackson (not to be confused with another Richland just south of Jackson). He began playing as a teen, under the names "Cleanhead" and "Joe Willie James", alongside musicians such as the first Sonny Boy Williamson, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. During World War II James joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Guam.
Upon his discharge James returned to central Mississippi and eventually settled in Canton. He began recording with Trumpet Records in nearby Jackson in January 1951, first as sideman to the second Sonny Boy Williamson and others, then debuting as a session leader in August with what became his signature song, "Dust My Broom". It was a surprise R&B hit in 1952 and turned James into a star. His "I Believe" was another hit a year later. During the 1950s he recorded for the Bihari Brothers' Flair and Modern labels, as well as for Chess Records. His backing musicians were known as the Broomdusters. In 1959 he began recording what are perhaps his best sides for Bobby Robinson's Fire Records label. These include "The Sky Is Crying" (credited to Elmo James and His Broomdusters), "Stranger Blues", "Look On Yonder Wall", "Done Somebody Wrong", and "Shake Your Moneymaker", all of which are among the most famous of blues recordings.
The slide guitar riff from "Dust My Broom" is one of the best-known openings in all of blues.
Elmore James died of his third heart attack in Chicago in 1963, already a major influence on guitarists such as The Rolling Stones' Brian Jones. His classic "Done Somebody Wrong" and "One Way Out" were often covered by The Allman Brothers Band, who cited James as a major influence. James was also covered by blues-rock band Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble many times in concert. The most famous of these covers is Vaughan's take on James's legendary recording, "The Sky Is Crying". James is mentioned in The Beatles' song "For You Blue". While John Lennon plays the slide guitar, James' trademark, George Harrison says "Go, Johnny, go ... Elmore James got nothin' on this, baby." Another famous guitarist who admired Elmore James was Jimi Hendrix. On a sleeve of the posthumously released Hendrix CD Blues, there is a photo of Hendrix wearing his famous military jacket and holding Elmore James's vinyl.
Comin' Home
Elmore James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just get her on the phone
She's got to know
I'm comin' home
For I've been gone
For a long, long time
But it really doesn't matter
Been on the road for a hundred days
And there's nothin' gonna stop me
'Cause I'm there on my way
And I'm comin' home, comin' home
I don't sleep good when I sleep alone
Goin' back, I'm knowin' that
You can't make love on the telephone
And I'm comin' home
Lost in time, almost lost my mind
But it really didn't matter
'Cause I knew all the time
I was headed back to my very own bed
And there was never a look behind
And I only looked ahead
'Cause I'm comin' home,
I'm comin' home
I don't sleep good when I sleep alone
Goin' back, I'm knowin' that
You can't make love on the telephone
And I'm comin' home
I'll make it through all right
Just knowin' that you're there
Baby, I concede, you're all I need
It's more than I can bare
I'm comin' home, comin' home
I don't sleep good when I sleep alone
I'm headin' back, I'm knowin' that
You can't make love on the telephone
And I'm comin' home,
Comin' home
I don't sleep good when I sleep alone
I'm headin' back, I'm knowin' that
You can't make love on the telephone
And I'm comin' home
The song "Comin' Home" by Elmore James is a heartfelt tune that expresses the feelings of a man who has been on the road for a long time and is yearning to return home to his loved one. The lyrics express the deep connection he feels with his partner and the loneliness he feels when he is away from her. He pleads with the operator to connect him with his partner as he wants to inform her that he is coming home. He expresses his inability to sleep properly without her and acknowledges that you cannot make love over the telephone. He is determined to return home to his family, and with the reassuring thought that his partner is waiting for him, he can make it home alright.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful and offer a glimpse into the emotions of a man who is devoted to his partner. Elmore James' version of the song is a classic blues tune that features his signature guitar sound and soulful vocals. The song has been covered by several artists, including Tom Jones and Paul Butterfield.
Line by Line Meaning
Operator, please
Elmore James is requesting the telephone operator to connect him with someone on the phone.
Just get her on the phone
The person Elmore James wants to speak to is female and he wants to speak with her on the phone.
She's got to know
Elmore James believes it is important for the female he wants to speak to know something.
I'm comin' home
Elmore James has been away from home and is now returning.
For I've been gone
Acknowledging the fact that he has been away from home for a long time.
For a long, long time
Elmore James has been away from his home for an extended period.
But it really doesn't matter
The length of time Elmore James has been away is insignificant since he will be coming back.
When she's there on the line
Elmore James wants to speak to the woman on the other end of the phone line.
Been on the road for a hundred days
The period for which Elmore James has been away from home.
And there's nothin' gonna stop me
Nothing can prevent Elmore James from returning home.
'Cause I'm there on my way
Elmore James is currently en route to his home.
I don't sleep good when I sleep alone
Elmore James has difficulty sleeping when he is alone.
Goin' back, I'm knowin' that
Elmore James is aware of the fact that he is returning home.
You can't make love on the telephone
Physical love cannot be expressed over the phone.
Lost in time, almost lost my mind
Elmore James has been away for so long that he feels out of place and disoriented.
But it really didn't matter
Despite the disorientation, he was aware he was going back to where he belongs.
'Cause I knew all the time
Elmore James was aware of the fact that he was returning to his home.
I was headed back to my very own bed
Elmore James is looking forward to sleeping on his own bed.
And there was never a look behind
Elmore James never regretted or looked back in his decision to go back home.
And I only looked ahead
Elmore James was looking forward to his future.
I'll make it through all right
Elmore James is confident that he will make it back home safely.
Just knowin' that you're there
Elmore James finds comfort in knowing that the person he wants to speak to is available on the phone.
Baby, I concede, you're all I need
Elmore James recognizes that the female he wants to speak to is his significant other and is all he needs.
It's more than I can bare
Elmore James cannot bear to be away from his significant other.
I'm headin' back, I'm knowin' that
Elmore James is aware he is heading back home.
Comin' home, comin' home
Elmore James is emphasizing the fact that he is coming back home.
And I'm comin' home
Elmore James is coming back home.
Contributed by Mateo L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Renshav
Elmore James at his top level. Unbelievable voice.
David Renshav
he was like Muddy he didn't have to play a guitar if he didn't want to. The voice was enough.
Steve
+David Renshav .....and he could work a guitar.
Stompy23
Well, I collect 78s, but my focus is more on early ragtime & 1920s jazz records. However after 3 hrs (!!!) of listening to your channel even the orthodox trad jazz enthusiast can't deny anymore there IS a lot of fantastic "late" stuff ... This particular one is real mighty classic blues. And damn ... the more I'm listening the more I wish I had a differently balanced collection. There's 95% before 1940 and 5% R&B only ... Your channel is AMAZING!
Westtoledoguy
the GREAT ELMORE JAMES
Steve
I was a late arrival to Elmore, my station never played him I guess. See how powerful a program director can be?
David Stowell
Any questions where you are now, rock and rollers? You're right in the middle of it!
Steve
Wow, thank you very sincerely!!
Leonard Goodwin
BLUES MY FAV COLOR:)))))
Steve
Thanks, I get that alot ;)