Voodoo Chile
Eric Clapton & His Band & Steve Winwood Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, I'm a voodoo chile
Oh no, I'm a voodoo chile

On the night I was born
I swear the moon turned a fire red
On the night I was born
I swear the moon turned a fire red
My mother cried "lord, the gypsy was right!"

I seen her fell down right dead

Mountain lions found me there waitin'
And set me on a eagle's wing
Mountain lions found me waiting
And set me on a eagle's wing
He took me past to the outskirts of infinity
And when he came me back
It gave me a venus witch's ring
And I said "fly on, fly on"
'Cause I'm a voodoo chile, yeah

I made love to you in your sleep
Lord knows you'll feel no pain
Made love to you in your sleep
Lord knows you feel no pain
I'm a million miles away
But at the same time I'm right here in your picture frame
'Cause I'm a voodoo chile
Lord knows, 'cause I'm a voodoo chile

My arrows are made of desire
From far away as Jupiter's sulphur mines
My arrows are made of desire
From Jupiter's far away sulphur mines
Humming bird hums so loud

But you think you're losing your mind

Float in liquid gardens
And Arizona's new red sand
Float in liquid gardens
In Arizona's new red sand

Taste the honey from a flower named Blue
In California and then New York drowns as we hold hands

'Cause I'm a voodoo chile
Lord knows, 'cause I'm a voodoo chile
'Cause I'm a voodoo chile
Lord knows, oh, 'cause I'm a voodoo chile

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood's "Voodoo Chile" tells the story of a mystical being who has been touched by the supernatural. The song speaks of the night the singer was born, envisioning the moon turning a fiery red and his mother crying as if she knew he was destined for something peculiar. The tale goes on to describe the singer's encounter with mystical creatures such as mountain lions and an eagle's wings, taking him beyond the outskirts of reality to the infinity before coming back with a Venus Witch's ring. Through the song's captivating verse, it becomes apparent that the singer is not of this world, and he is a voodoo child.

The song's lyrics express the singer's power and ability to create love and desire without pain. It tells how the singer can reach into a person's dreams and make love to them. It also explains the singer's capability of creating love arrows made of desire, using elements from Jupiter's far-off sulfur mines.

The lyrics to Voodoo Chile are an embodiment of Jimi Hendrix's classic electric blues performance. The song's enchanting story about the power and abilities of the voodoo child has made it one of the most magnificent performances of all time.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, I'm a voodoo chile
The singer is a voodoo witch.

Oh no, I'm a voodoo chile
The singer is confirming that they are a voodoo witch.

On the night I was born I swear the moon turned a fire red
The singer believes that there was some sort of supernatural occurrence when they were born.

My mother cried "lord, the gypsy was right!" I seen her fell down right dead
The artist's mother had consulted a gypsy about the child's future, and the gypsy's prediction had come true.

Mountain lions found me there waitin' And set me on a eagle's wing
The artist had some kind of spiritual experience where they were carried by an eagle and observed things.

He took me past to the outskirts of infinity And when he came me back It gave me a venus witch's ring And I said "fly on, fly on" 'Cause I'm a voodoo chile, yeah
During the spiritual journey, the singer obtained a magical ring and encourages the eagle to continue flying.

I made love to you in your sleep Lord knows you'll feel no pain
The singer is using their voodoo magic to chant over someone as they sleep, causing them pleasure in their dreams.

I'm a million miles away But at the same time I'm right here in your picture frame 'Cause I'm a voodoo chile Lord knows, 'cause I'm a voodoo chile
The artist is explaining that despite being physically far away, they still have influence over the person and are present in their memories.

My arrows are made of desire From far away as Jupiter's sulphur mines
The artist has magical arrows made of desire that have travelled from the other side of the galaxy.

Humming bird hums so loud But you think you're losing your mind
The artist is suggesting that their magic is so powerful that it is causing a person to hear things that are not real.

Float in liquid gardens And Arizona's new red sand
The singer describes a surreal scene where they are floating in a liquid garden in Arizona.

Taste the honey from a flower named Blue In California and then New York drowns as we hold hands
The artist is engaging in some magical ritual with someone, and it is causing a significant impact on the world.

'Cause I'm a voodoo chile Lord knows, 'cause I'm a voodoo chile
The singer is reiterating that they are a powerful voodoo witch.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jimi Hendrix

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@TREYOLDHIPPIE

5y↑2

It WAS HERE A FEW DAYS or a week BACK pretty sure? How did you and a few get here!? And the rest is gone?
Yes there were LOTS OF COMMENTS. This, pretty much.- must be a copy fromthe BLU RAY.
LOOK FOR OTHER VERSION..BUT MAYBE THIS POSTER WAS TOLD TO "TAKE IT DOWN..OR CHANGE YOUR ACCOUNT NAME.." THATS POSSIBLE..OR WAS HAPPENING 5-10 YEARS AGO TO AN Aquaintace covering SRV.
MY BLU-RAY IS STORED BUT THIS IS CLASSIC TOP NOTCH SOUND AND LIKELY ON THE RECORDING.
IT WAS A FINE SUMMER NIGHT IN Chicago.
And the moon was
A fire red
Spellbinder like this demands even more than a "top phone speaker"..
Even if u have the latest phone..great sound needs space -and u wont regret it.
Its like nothing else.
Jimi is diggin every play.
Yaeah Voodoo Chilë !
goes on forever
Must be played woth

All comments from YouTube:

@davidrinesmith1778

1y↑15

What the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame should be all about ~

@saginawdan

39w↑2

Exactly 😎

@johncranford9315

1y↑15

This song does not miss a note. This is what we had and I'm so glad to hear this rendition played by perfectionists.

@rafaeldal-re8483

2y↑12

Likely the most brilliant piece of modern music ever played

@ramirez6685

1y↑12

timeless....so crazy...best cover ever

@EC_IS_Here

5y↑101

This is just beyond incredible.From both angles, Clapton and Winwood.What a rock duo.Magic happens when they are together!

@johntailing5283

5y↑5

EC was here
I’ve always said, , both Stevie Winwood & Eric Clapton are very special, , ,
But, when they get together, , something very VERY Special happens, , , , ,

@INDLIS

4y↑6

They first played together as Blind Faith

@KEVIN-pb2xm

2y↑1

@@johntailing5283 Like a Religious Experience

@johntailing5283

@@KEVIN-pb2xm
👍

@KEVIN-pb2xm

2y↑1

@@johntailing5283 Like a religious experience!!! Their best work was w/ each other!!!!

7 More Replies...

@tattyshoesshigure5731

4y↑35

Jimi would be proud of this incredible interpretation of Voodoo Chile… it’s a wonderfully moving tribute to him by two of the greatest rock musicians of all time!

@handmadehearts

3y↑3

This cover is EPIC! I've never heard EC play better. The band rocked it, hard. The background female vocalists give me goosebumps. WOW!!

@robertrobles4028

46w↑2

Clapton still god after all these years!

@morphinlounge101

2y↑6

I cannot write it all, but listen to his sound, his playin, his twang, he challenged god. Rock on forever Eric.

@xtstevie

2y↑6

Seriously does music get any better than this? Just wow!!

@SpicyMcGeezaks

51w↑1

I know a lot of good music, but man, this is lit 🔥!!

@BBQDad463

16w

Clapton and Winwood tearing up Voodoo Chile. Amazing!

@Zibsss

4y↑31

I had an eargasm. My heart just burned like fire and my mind was blown away. This is fantastic

@lennyjohnson8486

only the original can bust my nuts

@jerzybecik1120

3y↑28

Hats off to Mr Clapton and Mr Winwood. It’s a true masterpiece!

@KEVIN-pb2xm

A religious experience for sure

@cjankowski75

4y↑20

And.....sorry for the second comment but I forgot to give Steve Gadd his props. A drummer second to none!

@martinmoore3969

4y↑1

And Willie Weeks on the bass. What a rhythm section

@JRaynor-lh3ls

22w↑1

The smile on Steve Winwood's face is all you need to see to understand what this moment in music was

@shirleyhubbert5547

4y↑5

Eric and Steve play so well together ...

@cjankowski75

4y↑35

I've got what I think is a very interesting back story on this song., I believe from a reliable source. Jimi Hendrix was absolutely intent on getting Steve Winwood to play with him on this and actually physically went out (not too far as he knew where he was playing!) to personally enlist him. Winwood agreed and when they got together and recorded, the track was amazing. This really shows me (if not you) that Steve Winwood is and was one of the greatest musicians of the last 50+ years. Without this Hendrix reference of course, he stands on his own as a rock 'n roll great! Clapton and Winwood do a stellar job on this live version. Simply amazing!Listen to the interplay between Steve's organ and Eric's guitar. Brilliant! This is what Jimi envisioned and had to have. This is why Jimi is so much more than a guitar virtuoso.

@umbertodferrari

4y↑1

Your information source is correct. In fact Hendrix, at one point planned a big band with members of Traffic, where he would just contribute to the music and not be the frontman. He was a big admirer of Winwood and Traffic. Sadly.......

@tomassalazar647

Agreed.... Damn right...

@user-ec2vv3ly6q

3y↑3

Winwood was only musician who could keep up with Hendrix creatively

@aquamarine99911

28w

I wish Jimi could have found a keyboardist who could have kept up with him. This and "Rainy Day" (with Mike Finnigan on organ) are just such rich aural experiences. Apart from Stevie, there were other guys he might have brought in. including Billy Preston, Nicky Hopkins and Al Kooper.

@michielrose208

3y↑1

Mr Clapton and Mr Winwood doing this Justice sounds great.

@mikerobinson9940

4y↑28

Great tribute to Jimi - its got the original's sense of 'jamming with friends after the gig' which made it so special first time around. Best Jimi track for me ever, even better than red house

@sneezydeezymcdeluxe7015

3y↑3

Without a doubt it's the best song he ever did.

@mikejulen3805

30w

Sans oublier le jeu extraordinaire de son excellent batteur et bassiste.😊😂

@ercanaydos575

5y↑22

steve gadd god bless you,your effort, and all the friends you are
unbelievable , respects from turkey

@SteveGasper-tp9th

39w↑5

The only version better than this, was Jimi's. All the hits they had, to engage in this song simply jaw dropping.👍👍👍👍👍 Thanks guys.

@markcoluzzi5754

3y↑7

Ahh........that beautiful Hammond b3. If that doesn't scream 70s, then nothing does! Man, this is too cool.......🎵

@gragor11

I agree. I have a playlist of B3 songs on the Tube. I just added this one.

@jamesspalten5977

35w↑1

It screams the sixties, too! Tons of 60's classics have the B3 in them.

@markcoluzzi5754

35w↑1

@@jamesspalten5977 No doubt! I'm just a child ( well, old man really ) of the 70s. 😎🎵🎶

@markcoluzzi5754

35w

@@gragor11 That's too cool..... how long did it take you to put that together? 🎹

@markcoluzzi5754

35w

@@gragor11 Dude.....just checked out your playlist. Friggin awesome...... very nice indeed. Thank you!!

1 More Replies...

@kellydavis9386

23w↑1

Me!!! Absolutely Beautiful tune... Love these two men perform so right on ....rock this bluesy soulful. Love it ,Love it!Oh yeah play this so damn good,...I could listen to both of them all day and night!!!!!!!!!❤

@JeffreySlattery-v5j

38w↑3

When I am sad, I listen to this. Of my All Time Fav's. Makes me happy!!

@sharontomc4186

You make it look so easy Mr Clapton..It's as if you are improvising So beautiful and so are you.I must admit.Never thought about your S.appeal in my twenties...Now that I'm 73 you are definitely my vintage...aged beautifully baby kakes.....Old Love me,!!!!

@pmontaner

20w

Let Winwood and Dylan live on forever

@tomassalazar647

4y↑26

Nobody seems to remember, but on the original recording of 'Voodoo Chile', (NOT 'slight return', tho they were both on the same release) Steve Winwood was there on
Keyboards (a Wirlizer?) and both, were incredible. After finishing the the one take, Jimi goes "That was outta sight, out sight!". He was LIT UP! Wonderful! Absolutely incredible! That recording, I can't find any more, but this is more than close enough. RIP Jimi, we still miss u... And Steve, don't stop 'till u drop!!

@TheBassInfection

4y↑1

Heard that recording on BBC radio 6 music on Sunday the 22nd Aug 21.... been looking for it ever since!

@JeffreyHardypdx

That would be Winwood & Clapton live at madison square gardens.

@mikemaffei9750

I believe that version is on spotify, it's on a few of my playlists so it was easy to find and I distinctly remember after song chatter and hearing Jimi say that was Outta sight!

@Bruce-1956

I do remember.

@KingKull1971

3y↑1

Tomas Salazar, Why don't you just buy the electric lady land album, it's on the album.

3 More Replies...

@ENigma-um8zw

4y↑4

Incredible musical class acts right here. They sounded incredible. I was there!

@солнце-и2э9т

4y↑22

Great performance from Steve and Eric. Steve played with Jimi Hendrix. That composition from Electric Ladyland album.

@ENigma-um8zw

4y↑2

Just learned that, blew my mind, Jack Cassidy of Jefferson Airplane is on bass on that track too I learned. What a track!

@солнце-и2э9т

@@ENigma-um8zw Jack Cassidy, yeah! Mitch Mitchell too, but he played on the rhythm guitar.

@vladimirk9584

@@солнце-и2э9т Mitch Mitchell was a drummer

@солнце-и2э9т

@@vladimirk9584 Sorry, Noel Redding

@barrystraughan2678

Winwood’s organ playing on the original track is as good as Jimi’s guitar playing. The middle section when Steve and Jimi trade licks is just insane! Genius.

@RGWdeG

4y↑8

This is a really amazing performance of outstanding musicians, how fantastic this is !

@elianeramasamy1296

4y↑1

c'est réellement incroyable , juste magnifique

@josephbutler6712

2y↑13

LETS NOT FORGET...WINWOOD WAS ON THE ORIGINAL
VOODOO CHILD

@paulmatschull1923

23w

And his fellow Traffic bandmate Dave Mason was on All along the Watchtower.

@Greggdalord

5y↑28

M A S T E R P I E C E ! ! !

@ostrich_dog

5y↑35

I've got to put a second comment here to say that this is good

@dalace2542

5y↑4

God *

@ralphmonka1723

4y↑3

the very BEST all of them. Thank you. just enjoy it

@davewilkirson2320

4y↑4

Don't get NO better than this. Masterclass artists.

@matthurt2383

5y↑9

This is soo Badass,can't top this.

@eddieray436

4y↑3

Wow what a display of music talent ,amazing .

@jhernangiraldo2380

One word: ABSOLUTE.

@rodolfobarretotuya6181

5y↑10

Clapton&Winwood, virtuosos musicos...blues!!!!

@johntailing5283

Rodolfo Barreto Tuya so, , soooo,,, right!

@robertramber

5y↑6

I have to tell you that my soul felt so good listening to this. God bless you all !!!

@JorgeRoldan-ow6kp

27w

Único irrepetible Steve Eric la batería el coro no me canso de escuchar sublime

@Albert-lm4ik

4y↑3

This is amazing

@stevesims2243

25w

oh my god this is fantastic

@elianeramasamy1296

5y↑3

le les ai vus en concert a paris en 2010, et steeve chantant ce morceau sur scene, c'est juste magnifique

@GigiCeriani

4y↑1

LA FINE DEL MONDO ! ! ! IMMENSI ! ! ! FAVOLOSI ! ! !

@amoruzz

Oh my..
The correct approach.
The back ground singers are smokin!
Great job!

@hannealbrechtsen461

4y↑2

Perfection

@Kindacutehuh

The clap at its best!

@awaken77

4y↑10

The original song was born as a studio jam by Jimi Hendrix, where Steve Winwood also contributed on the organ

@Not_An_Alien

4y↑3

Contributed is an understatement, pushed Jimi into exosphere is more like it.

@ENigma-um8zw

4y↑3

And Jack Cassidy of the ‘Airplane was on bass too, Eric and Jimi of course were close friends. The day before jimi died Eric had gotten him a left handed strat and was going to give it to him after a sly stone show they were both at. And then jimi died the next day tragically and Clapton was left with a lefty guitar and lost a close friend. Guy’s life has been through the emotional ringer. Long live the legacy of this electric-blues-church!

@kmani69

4y↑15

Clapton did not even use wah wah just used his guitar he is the KING ♥

@dominicbrinkley8007

4y↑2

Just like the original too! Clapton really did it justice here

@suzie9874

2y↑2

This was great. Maybe some of the very best of Clapton. With that said. It is no where close to Hendrix. Even Steve Winwood is no where near as good on this. It is just hard to explain. People ether get it or they don't with Hendrix. You feel it thru your body. Ever note he played in this. Or you dont feel it. If you dont feel it. Joe blow can play it and will sound nearly the same. But if you feel Hendrix and not just hear Hendrix. You would feel every note. Every bend on the string. And those bends bring a different sound than any other guitarist ever. It is like he is bending them right into your soul. Again it is hard to explain. But no other musician ever has done this and made me feel the music like Hendrix. That is why he is so regarded as the greatest to have ever done it. So to call Clapton king. Then what is Hendrix ???

@rodrigochiponi8889

44w

@@suzie9874 clapton is god

@mikeluxton6222

Not heard this version before brilliant

@Uweathome

5y↑3

Amazing!

@xtubemanx

My favorite!

@JoRei953

5y↑11

Steve W plated on the original jam on Electric Ladyland....

@diogene3913

5y↑8

For Jimi!

@LuisGForero777

3y↑2

Y pensar que hay personas que creen que la magia no existe...

@stevenmunoz259

3y↑1

What can you say great

@donniecarlisle4708

4y↑2

This jamz!!! Wouldn’t expect anything else, dudes are rock legends!!!!👊👍

@andresmateluna1904

3y↑1

Buenisimo son mis idolos

@adolfodefelipecorisco1523

¡¡¡Brutal.........!!!.

@lewend72

Amazing

@baronvonchickenpants6564

Just magic

@ricardorodrigues1003

5y↑1

Ohhhhh shitttt!!!!! This is the thing!!!!!!!!

@MikeHock-tw4nj

42w↑1

The only guitarist from that era who could jam like Jimi is Eric.

@beenforgiven2003

36w

I agree but theres more cheers my brother

@Zoetropeification

37w

Winwood played keys with Hendrix when they recorded a live take in the middle of the night at Electric Ladyland in 1968. Some folks still called him Little Stevie Winwood then. 😁

@WandaWooten

Yessss!!

@shirleyhubbert5547

Incredible. Moving tribute to Jimi Hendrix

@afterchaboncoronel2043

4y↑1

Rock señores

@bretlacy5863

Digging the middle pickup

@buranflakes

6y↑10

Fantastic performance; how has this upload gone 8 years with no comments?

@MrMayhemVI

6y↑3

I've always looked at the count, realized at least 200 of those views are mine (and counting), and wondered what the hell is going on. Ah well, as long as it's not taken down. The other option of this vid has shit audio quality.

@rogermharris4268

5y↑1

Well thanks to those who live of Jimi 's talent who won't allow any uploads, unless the make money, they just leech off him, they are a disgrace ...

@AnthonyB2351

@@rogermharris4268 Windwood and Clapton are huge talents. Their living requires no help from anyone else's talent. Besides which, Windwood played on the original, so I'm at a loss as to where you're coming from with the leeching comment.

@rogermharris4268

5y↑2

AnthonyB2351 you got the wrong end of my beef, the leeches are those who own the rights to Jimi’s music who control it like they wrote it. A lot of respect for these two for keeping Jimi’s music alive. 🙂🙂

@TREYOLDHIPPIE

5y↑2

2 More Replies...

@herzlichimmobilienneuenkir748

BEST Version ever :-)

@suzie9874

Uh no just a simple no.

@mvelazquez312

3y↑1

Fucking awesome.
This is life

@rumablues

Jimi ... Najbolje.

@stevekane4922

3y↑3

Of course it was Hendrix and Winwood who created the original in the studio at Hendrix' request.

@1980stephane

4y↑1

wow

@peterwinters8587

2y↑1

Turning something into blues is not my thing, but Jimi idolized both these guys

@ryanbailey3185

31w

This is the original style the song was played in.

@Leo-uc8zv

44w↑1

9:57 that note that Clapton makes sounds like a damn tornado siren

@Willemzoveel

Close your eyes and listen

@DeepakIyerp

5y↑1

Different from the original, but both Eric and Steve show the song the respect it deserves. Masterpiece by two legends.

@JackT13

5y↑1

I’d say it’s fairly similar to the original give or take a few extra lingerings on some of the chord changes

@robertdenson3375

Gabe Thornes I agree gabe some may think this is slight return. SPectacular

@challahartley2838

3 legends

@eliascreekhersi7670

4y↑2

Music 4 THE soul 😃💯🥰💯

@Grace-f7d

24w

GVB. "Voo don't" 😊

@aretipotsiou2720

υπέροχο

@goodmusicfanatic4715

4y↑3

Jimi's greatest song.

@ovidiumanescu9724

4y↑10

Saw them live în my town.
95% of the public had no clue who the other guy was.
At the end I heard somebody on the way ouț complaining that he did not played I shot the sheriff and Tears în heaven.
Felt sorry for the guy. I wanted to go to him and tell him:
Do you have any ideea what you have listened to here, this eavning?
Have you heard of Blind Faith, Hendrix, Traffic?
Do you know how rare îs to see these guys playing together, this music?
The poor bastard had no ideea, like the biggest part of the public.

@ljhog151

46w

I feel so sorry for todays younguns.

@oski1957

42w

Singer was there.. when this song game

@Psychedelian

4y↑11

Thank God for Jimi Hendrix...

@loufrank1574

4y↑1

And the mighty Zep

@angeloiodice9304

Please pinch me. Am I dead and in Heaven with the heavyweights of Rock.

@JilsinhoQuirino

Show

@jtorres133

4y↑5

WHO THE HELL ARE THE 11 PEOPLE THAT DISLIKED THIS!!!!?????????????

@knytrydr73

4y↑1

People without souls.

@bonglord430

5y↑8

This is amazing... but I would kill to have a live recorded version of this by the man himself.

@bun5320

5y↑1

if you mean jimi hendrix..there is one. It's just hard to find and keeps getting taken down

@fifidurand7421

@@bun5320 you can find it on bootlegs...i ve got an old cd italian recording ..today it s easiest yo find them

@Psychedelian

Electric Ladyland - Voodoo Child recorded live in the studio.

@tonteriaslasprecisas6897

@@Psychedelian Right!

@awingedbaby

16w

..."more, more, more" "Nah man what's happening later on?"

@overthetip

4y↑3

The capital of Voodoo Chile is Voodoo Santiago.

@ENigma-um8zw

Hah brilliant ;D

@kylehagan3007

49w

That old mother effer shreds!

@michaelchafin8170

4y↑6

Can't find the original from Hendrix on here anywhere!

@baptistemariini7649

4y↑3

Its on spotify

@ENigma-um8zw

The estate is really copyright protective of original recordings being on YouTube. The original long version is hard to find but slight return is on Here.

@swhaley83

4y↑2

In the pocket

@FrancescoBalena

4y↑2

There are not the credits to Jimy Hendrix !! From album Electric Ladyland ...

@Mr75044

4y↑6

Steve played on the original with Jimi..seen Eric & Steve..do this at NEC...as close as you'll ever get. With out Jimi.

@judyburton8923

Exactly right...

@louiscornale5667

42w↑1

Great job but how about wooly bully watch it now 😮

@geoguitar1950

From Traffic days until nowadays I've never understood a word Winwood sings. But hey, that's okay. 😎

@potterj09

The Obi-Wan of blues.

@Nominay

2y↑1

He played it like Eric Clapton, not Jimi Hendrix, which is very hard for him to do, so he played it like Albert King. 😄

@kfletch4193

It's a damn shame my headphones won't get any louder.

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