In the mid-1960s Clapton left the Yardbirds to play with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Immediately after leaving Mayall, Clapton formed the power trio Cream with drummer Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce, in which Clapton played sustained blues improvisations and "arty, blues-based psychedelic pop". After Cream broke up, he formed blues rock band Blind Faith with Baker, Steve Winwood, and Ric Grech. Clapton's solo career began in the 1970s, where his work bore the influence of the mellow style of J. J. Cale and the reggae of Bob Marley. His version of Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" helped reggae reach a mass market. Two of his most popular recordings were "Layla", recorded with Derek and the Dominos; and Robert Johnson's "Crossroads", recorded with Cream. Following the death of his son Conor in 1991, Clapton's grief was expressed in the song "Tears in Heaven", which was featured on his Unplugged album.
Clapton has been the recipient of 18 Grammy Awards, and the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. In 2004 he was awarded a CBE at Buckingham Palace for services to music. He has received four Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award. In his solo career, Clapton has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time. In 1998, Clapton, a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, founded the Crossroads Centre on Antigua, a medical facility for recovering substance abusers.
Driftin'
Eric Clapton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm drifting and drifting, just like a ship out on the sea
Well I ain't got nobody in this world to care for me
If my baby would only take me back again
If my baby would only take me back again
I would feel much better, darling, and at least I'd have a friend
I give you all my money, tell me what more can I do
You is a sweet little girl but I swear you won't be true
I'm drifting and drifting, just like a ship out on the sea
I'm drifting and drifting, just like a ship out on the sea
Because I ain't got nobody in this world to care for me
The lyrics to Eric Clapton's song Driftin' convey a sense of loneliness and heartache. The singer compares his feelings to that of a ship lost out at sea, with no one to guide or care for him. He laments the loss of his lover, wishing they would take him back and be his friend once again.
The singer also expresses his frustration with the situation, feeling like he has given his all to his lover but still remains empty and alone. He acknowledges her physical attractiveness but doubts her ability to be true to him, leaving him feeling adrift and helpless.
In essence, the lyrics of Driftin' are a classic blues expression of heartbreak and longing for companionship. The singer's sense of isolation is palpable, as is his desire for someone to care for and love him.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm drifting and drifting, just like a ship out on the sea
Eric Clapton feels lost and aimless like a ship adrift in the vast sea.
Well I ain't got nobody in this world to care for me
Eric Clapton is lonely and feels unloved because there is no one who cares about him in this world.
If my baby would only take me back again
Eric Clapton hopes that his lover would forgive him and come back to him once again.
I would feel much better, darling, and at least I'd have a friend
Eric Clapton would feel relieved and grateful if he gets back together with his lover because he would have a friend beside him.
I give you all my money, tell me what more can I do
Eric Clapton has given all his wealth and possessions to his lover, but he still feels unsatisfied and wonders what else he could do to win her love.
You is a sweet little girl but I swear you won't be true
Eric Clapton refers to his lover as a sweet girl but accuses her of being unfaithful and disloyal to him.
Because I ain't got nobody in this world to care for me
Eric Clapton's loneliness and feeling of being uncared for is the reason he is drifting like a ship without direction.
Contributed by Tyler I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Pad
well yes, how shall i say it was AWESOME
now this was a LIVE recording from 1999
and, we find that MSSER. ERIC CLAPTON
GUITARS GOD employed the skills of one
the FOLLOWING
mr. GARY BROOKER, mr. CHRIS STAINTON
& mr. BOBBY WHITLOCK<a DOMINO on the
KEYBOARDS so the end result is probably
one of the BESTEST EVER
"DRIFTIN N DRIFTIN"
to be heard to date!!!
LATER MAN,
THE 📒PAD🏡 SLD😆
Eric P.
If only this would come on automatically Everytime I walk into a bar 🤙
Philla007
Oh yeah, same thoughts bro 🥃
Grumpy OldFart
Strange...it comes on when I walk in....
Mark Young
Eric is always amazing with his guitar
Luis Trabanca
Me encanta este Blues y como lo interpreta Eric Clapton, es una lastima que se haya retirado de los escenarios....
Felipe de Jesus Saucedo Flores
Un blues standard lento, con la guitarra magistral de Clapton. ¡Bellísimo!
luisAM
Esta canción siempre me ha encantado!!! :)
Giants588
Eric Clapton, the most renown name in the guitar world, possibly in the music world. Playing the blues as only he can. Then again, that's what happens when you've played with so many different musicians, and sounded tremendous with them all. He carry's a phenomenal legacy with him. I can't think of any other musician that can tout the achievements he's accomplished. Thanks for all the great music EC!!!!!!!
Divergent Control
Johnny Winter can dual with Eric all day long and would give Johnny his crown. My personal opinion only. Peace
Chris S
I can think of a hundred blues guitarists that can play equal as good as Clapton, let's stop this worshiping of blues guitarists