Crossroads
Jack Bruce And Fred Norris Lyrics


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I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.
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.
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.

Overall Meaning

The song "Crossroads" by Jack Bruce and Fred Norris is a blues classic that explores themes of desperation and seeking salvation. The opening verses describe the singer going to the crossroads and begging for mercy from the Lord. The crossroads are traditionally seen in blues music as a place of spiritual reckoning or a meeting point between the devil and the divine. The singer is desperate for redemption and prays for salvation, hoping that his plea will be heard.


The second verse continues the theme of desperation as the singer tries to catch a ride at the crossroads but is ignored by everyone who passes him by. This further emphasizes the singer's feeling of isolation and desperation, as he is unable to connect with anyone or find a way out of his troubles.


In the final verse, the singer sets out on a journey to Rosedale with his lover by his side, hoping for a new beginning. The line "you can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside" suggests that despite his struggles, the singer still has hope for a better future, and that music and companionship will help him through. The song ends with the singer telling his friend Willie Brown that he believes he is sinking down, suggesting that he is still troubled but trying to hold on.


Line by Line Meaning

I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.
I was desperate and felt like I had hit rock bottom, so I went to a place of spiritual significance and begged for help.


Asked the lord above for mercy, "save me if you please."
I prayed to a higher power, hoping for mercy and salvation from my troubles.


I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride.
I sought a way out of my problems, hoping for someone or something to give me a ride to a better place.


Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by.
Despite my efforts, no one recognized me or was willing to help, and I felt alone and abandoned.


I'm going down to rosedale, take my rider by my side.
I have a plan to go somewhere else, and I hope to have my partner with me for support and companionship.


You can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside.
Even though things are tough, there is still joy and music to be found in life, especially by the river where people gather to have fun.


You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown.
If you see my friend Willie Brown, tell him that I am in trouble and could use his help.


And I'm standing at the crossroads, believe I'm sinking down.
I am still stuck in a bad situation and feel like I am drowning, despite my efforts to escape and find help.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: Wendy Waldman

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@staceyshaffer180

My heart just dropped to my stomach. I’m 64, when did we get old. I haven’t seen Bruce Springsteen in years, he looks a little fragile. Our minds tell us we are still 21 but our bodies say different.

@chriscianciolo5823

Look at him go up the steps after falling, look at him put the guitar back on. He doesn’t move or act like he’s almost 75. Fragile?

@amomwathi7110

😂😂😂😂😂😂

@SalvatoreSigona-ec6lw

Eu me sinto assim

@r1133rocco

He recovered better than I would have!!! But, yeah I get it, when did we get old? 😳

@mamabear2277

So very true.

18 More Replies...

@johndonny443

He has plenty of friends to help him up. I fell 3 days ago and I'm still laying here.

@dougpeters1625

lolol

@Saintathantwinpeaks

Three weeks have passed. Are you up or still down?

@VeraLucia-tx2zj

Ho My good!!😢

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