Crossroads
Eric Clapton & Otis Rush Lyrics
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I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.
Asked the lord above for mercy, "save me if you please."
I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride.
I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride.
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by.
I'm going down to rosedale, take my rider by my side.
You can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside.
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown.
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown.
And I'm standing at the crossroads, believe I'm sinking down.
The song "Crossroads" by Eric Clapton and Otis Rush is a blues classic that tells a story of a man who is down on his luck and seeks mercy from the Lord at the crossroads. The crossroads represent a place where the singer is at a crossroad in his life and has to make a decision that will determine his future. The lyrics depict a man who is struggling to get a ride, and feels that nobody knows him or recognizes him. He decides to go down to Rosedale with his lover, where they can still enjoy the music and dance on the riverside. However, the final verse portrays a sense of despair as the singer feels like he is sinking down, and asks his friend-boy Willie Brown to tell the tale of his fate.
The imagery and metaphor of the crossroads are commonly used in blues music as it signifies the place where a person can make a pact with the devil in turn for musical talent. The idea was popularized by the legend of Robert Johnson, a blues musician who was believed to have made a deal with the devil at the crossroads. The lyrics of the song are a tribute to Robert Johnson, as he also mentions Rosedale in his songs.
Line by Line Meaning
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.
I went to a place of decision, fell to the ground in a pleading manner.
Asked the lord above for mercy, "save me if you please."
In my desperation, I appealed to a higher power for help and salvation.
I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride.
I sought a way out of my difficult situation by attempting to hitch a ride from passing strangers.
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by.
Despite my efforts, I received no help or recognition from others and was ignored by all.
I'm going down to rosedale, take my rider by my side.
I am traveling to a place where I hope to find companionship and support on my journey.
You can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside.
Even in difficult times, there is still enjoyment to be found in life, such as dancing to music by the river.
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown.
If you see my friend Willie Brown, please let him know that I am in trouble and need his help.
And I'm standing at the crossroads, believe I'm sinking down.
I am still in a place of decision and am feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what to do next.
Lyrics © THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: WENDY WALDMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-js6el7vn2r
Lay awake at night,
Oh so low, just so troubled.
Can't get a job,
Laid off and I'm having double trouble.
Hey hey, to make you've got to try.
Baby, that's no lie.
Some of this generation is millionaires,
I can't even keep decent clothes to wear.
Laugh at me walking,
And I have no place to go.
Bad luck and trouble has taken me
I have no money to show.
@prathameshbhambure
Just saw the whole 31 minutes of Eric's presence on stage with Otis and Luther. Damn.... the stage was totally on fire that night!
@ursulabornhauser1091
Eric is on fire 🔥 totally love it
@glh-zs7mf
One of the great blues tracks incredible- love this with Eric & Otis playing together - fabulous👍🎶🎸🎶🎸🙌👏🙏🌟🌟
@allanreagan9848
R.I.P. Otis Rush -- so much good music may the angels roar to your encore!
@BarbButler
💕 💞 💓 💗 💖
@uwereichelt5832
Clapton is amazing. this tune was on my favorite cassette 1985 along with Tulsa time and others. God bless him and his great art of playing and singing. God bless you Eric. R.I.P. Otis
@prathameshbhambure
Double Trouble is an unbelievable piece. I don't think I can even explain how it hits me. I am just grateful that I found this song & Otis Rush. Super grateful.
@qg3726
Double Trouble=Otis & Eric.. That Twin Guitar blitz is the BOMB!!
@brianaxb9429
Otis is the most content person to ever perform, absolutley amazing.
@nitinchhabra5159
What a song!!!! RIP Mr. Rush. Sad to see losing these greats.