Crossroads
Honeyboy Edwards & James Cotton 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 lyrics to "Crossroads" by Honeyboy Edwards and James Cotton describe a journey to a crossroads, where the singer falls down on their knees and asks the Lord for mercy. They then attempt to flag down a ride to no avail, feeling like nobody knows them or wants to help. The singer decides to go to Rosedale with their rider by their side, where they can still barrelhouse on the riverside. The song ends with the singer acknowledging their sinking feeling at the crossroads.
The crossroads in the song is a reference to the myth of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for his legendary guitar skills. The lyrics reflect the idea of being at a turning point in life and asking for help from a higher power. The act of trying to flag down a ride represents the struggle of feeling alone and helpless.
The reference to Rosedale is likely a nod to the Mississippi Delta, where blues music originated. Barrelhouse is a style of blues piano playing characterized by a heavy left-hand rhythm and a rolling right-hand melody.
Overall, "Crossroads" is a classic blues song that touches on fundamental themes of struggle, faith, and redemption.
Line by Line Meaning
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees
I went to a place where I had to make a choice, and I begged for guidance from a higher power.
Asked the Lord above for mercy, "Save me if you please."
I specifically asked God for help and salvation.
I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride
I attempted to get help from others to guide me in the right direction.
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by
Unfortunately, no one recognized me or wanted to help me.
I'm going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
I'm going to a specific destination and bringing someone along with me for support.
You can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside
We can still party and have a good time, even in tough times and situations.
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
If you see my friend Willie Brown, let him know that I am in trouble and running from something.
And I'm standing at the crossroads, believe I'm sinking down
I'm stuck at a critical point in my life where I need to make a decision, but I feel like I'm losing hope and sinking deeper into despair.
Contributed by Joseph D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.