The band starred Eric Clapton (guitar), and featured Paul Jones (harmonica) and Jack Bruce (bass) from Manfred Mann, Steve Winwood (vocals) and Pete York (drums) from the Spencer Davis Group, and Ben Palmer (piano) who had previously played with Clapton and Jones as a member of The Roosters. Originally, Ginger Baker was intended to fill the drummer's position, but he was unavailable at the time.
The band only recorded a few songs in March 1966 (produced by Boyd), three of which were released on the Elektra compilation album What's Shakin'.
Crossroads
Eric Clapton & The Powerhouse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 went down to the crossroads
I went down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
Ask the Lord above for mercy
Save me if you please
I am going down to Rosedale
Taking my rider by my side
I am going down to Rosedale
Take my rider by my side
You can still barrelhouse, baby
They call us on the riverside
You can run, you can run
Go and tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
You can run, you can run
Go and tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
And I'm standing at the crossroads
I believe I'm sinking down
The lyrics of Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck's song Crossroads describe a protagonist who has gone to a crossroad, trying to get a ride. Nobody seems to know who he is, and everyone ignores him. The persona falls on his knees and asks the Lord above for mercy, to save him. He then decides to go down to Rosedale, taking his rider with him. He is a bluesman, and they are still barrel-housing, even though they are by the riverside. Despite his efforts, he cannot outrun his problems, and he is sinking down as he stands at the crossroads.
The crossroads in this song likely refer to the intersection of Highways 61 and 49 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, which is considered by many to be the place where the blues was born. The crossroads became a legendary spot in the blues world because of the story of Robert Johnson, who was said to have sold his soul to the devil there in exchange for unsurpassed guitar skills. The lyrics of the song echo this legend and suggest that the singer is at a critical juncture in his life, seeking salvation or a way out of his problems.
Line by Line Meaning
I went down to the crossroads
I traveled to a place where paths diverge
Tried to flag a ride
I attempted to catch a ride from someone passing by
Nobody seemed to know me
No one recognized or acknowledged me
Everybody passed me by
Everyone ignored me and continued on their way
Fell down on my knees
I dropped to the ground on my knees
Ask the Lord above for mercy
I pleaded with God for forgiveness and compassion
Save me if you please
I begged to be rescued from my troubled situation
Taking my rider by my side
I am accompanied by my companion as we continue our journey
You can still barrelhouse, baby
We can still have a good time and play music together
They call us on the riverside
People refer to us and our music by the riverbank
Go and tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
Inform my friend, Willie Brown, of my circumstances
And I'm standing at the crossroads
I find myself still at the point of divergence
I believe I'm sinking down
I feel as though I am in a downward spiral
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Robert Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@najponkjazz9111
Used to listen to this lp every day....great collection!!!!
@StevenLessner
Eric Clapton – guitar
Steve Winwood (as Steve Anglo) – vocals
Paul Jones – harmonica
Jack Bruce – bass
Pete York – drums
Ben Palmer – piano
@cassandrastidham4231
I was born in 92 and I am so in love with all of it it's like I've never known anything different and I've known her since I was a little girl so I guess it makes sense
@ninjavigilante5311
Missing ginger but whatever.. Clapton was moving all over at this time.. he didn't care he knew he was the best guitarist atm.
@EZ-tc3cu
Legendary
@atsalpam
Great track I've not heard before - cheers
@toulminbrown9166
pure
@toulminbrown9166
coolllll !
@MrDino1953
I really enjoy this foot-tapping version and I think it benefits greatly from Ben Palmer’s piano tinkling in the background. I’m no muso, but it seems to be in a different (higher ?) key to what Cream played it in. Maybe that’s what gives it a somewhat lighter mood.
@ronroskowske6047
You're right, it's in C-Creams version is in A.