Traveling Riverside Blues
Eric Clapton 2004 / Me & Mr. Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If your man get personal, want to have your fun
Best come on back to Friar's Point, mama, barrelhouse all night long
I got women's in Vicksburg, clean on into Tennessee
I got women's in Vicksburg, clean on into Tennessee
But my Friar's Point rider, now, hops all over me
I ain't gon' to state no color but her front teeth is crowned with gold
She got a mortgage on my body, now, layin' on my soul
Lord, I'm goin' to Rosedale, gon' take my rider by my side
Lord, I'm goin' to Rosedale, gon' take my rider by my side
We can still barrelhouse baby, on the riverside
Now you can squeeze my lemon 'til the juice run down my
'Til the juice rune down my leg, baby, you know what I'm talkin' about
You can squeeze my lemon 'til the juice run down my leg
That's what I'm talkin' 'bout, now
But I'm goin' back to Friar's Point, if I be rockin'to my head
In Eric Clapton’s 2004 cover of Robert Johnson’s song “Traveling Riverside Blues”, the lyrics offer a glimpse into the world of Johnson and his music. The song is infused with Johnson’s signature blues guitar playing and storytelling. Clapton sings about a man who has various women in his life, but his focus is on his “Friar’s Point rider”. The man’s loyalty lies with this woman, who keeps him coming back to Friar’s Point for a night of barrelhouse.
The lyrics suggest that this woman has some sort of hold on the man, likening it to a mortgage on his body and soul. The mention of her gold-crowned teeth adds an interesting layer, as it implies she is of a certain social class. The song goes on to mention Rosedale, another location in the Mississippi Delta, where the man plans to take his Friar’s Point rider for more barrelhouse fun.
The lyrics also include a famous innuendo, where the man says “you can squeeze my lemon ‘til the juice run down my leg”. This is often interpreted as a sexual reference, adding to the seductive and sultry nature of the blues. Overall, “Traveling Riverside Blues” is a classic example of the storytelling blues that Robert Johnson was known for, providing a glimpse into a world of romance, loyalty, and barrelhouse fun.
Line by Line Meaning
If your man get personal, want to have your fun
If your man gets too involved in your business, it's time for you to have some fun.
Best come on back to Friar's Point, mama, barrelhouse all night long
Come back home to Friar's Point and enjoy the music and party all night long.
I got women's in Vicksburg, clean on into Tennessee
I have women from Vicksburg to Tennessee who are interested in me.
But my Friar's Point rider, now, hops all over me
However, my lover from Friar's Point is the one who overwhelms me with her love.
I ain't gon' to state no color but her front teeth crowned with gold
I will not specify her race, but her smile is beautiful with the gold crown on her front teeth.
She got a mortgage on my body, now, layin' on my soul
She has a hold on my body that is so strong that it affects my soul.
Lord, I'm goin' to Rosedale, gon' take my rider by my side
I'm heading to Rosedale with my lover beside me.
We can still barrelhouse baby, on the riverside
We can still listen to blues music and party by the river.
Now you can squeeze my lemon 'til the juice run down my
You can squeeze my lemon until the juices flow, if you know what I mean.
'Til the juice rune down my leg, baby, you know what I'm talkin' about
Until the juices flow down my leg, if you catch my drift.
You can squeeze my lemon 'til the juice run down my leg
You can do whatever you want to me.
That's what I'm talkin' 'bout, now
That's what I mean.
But I'm goin' back to Friar's Point, if I be rockin'to my head
Nevertheless, I'm going back to Friar's Point, no matter how much I hesitate.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ROBERT LEROY JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind