Although critically acclaimed, John Hammond has had only moderate commercial success. Nonetheless, he enjoys a strong fan base and has earned respect from the likes of John Lee Hooker, Roosevelt Sykes, Duane Allman, Robbie Robertson, and Charlie Musselwhite, all of whom have contributed their musical talents to Hammond's records. In addition, he is the only person who ever had Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix in his band at the same time, even if it was only for five days in the 1960s when Hammond played the Gaslight Café in New York. To his regret, they never recorded together.
John Hammond has had a longstanding friendship with songwriter Tom Waits, and has performed Waits' songs on occasion. In 2001, he released Wicked Grin, an album entirely of Tom Waits compositions. Waits himself provided guitar work and backing vocals as well as producing the project.
2. John Hammond was a old time banjo player from the 1920's. He recorded the bluegrass classic 'Little Birdie' in 1925.
Go No Further
John Hammond Lyrics
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Ain't no need-a goin' no further, man
Told you back in forty-five you had better quit that jive
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, man
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, brother
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, man
You thought you was pretty slick, takin' everybody's chick
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, brother
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, man
You had diamonds and Cadillac cars
Tourin' the world and settin' up bars
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, now
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, brother
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, man
Your money's gone and your health is bad
All you can tell is the fun you had
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, now
No, ain't no need-a goin' no further, now
The lyrics of John Hammond's song "Don't Go No Further" speak about the consequences of indulging in a life of excess and recklessness. The lyrics begin with a warning to a man who chooses to live in a manner that is not in line with the expectations of society. The song speaks about a man who thought he was "pretty slick" by "takin' everybody's chick" and living a life of luxury. However, the singer reminds the man that he had warned him back in forty-five to quit this "jive," but he did not listen.
As the lyrics progress, the song speaks about the man's problems. The man's wealth was gone and his health was bad, and all he could take solace in was the fun he had. The lyrics serve as a commentary on the price of living a life of excess and the ultimate consequences of such a lifestyle. The song is a warning to the listeners not to follow this path and to live a life that is in harmony with society's expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, brother
There's no point in moving forward, my friend.
Ain't no need-a goin' no further, man
There's no point in continuing, my man.
Told you back in forty-five you had better quit that jive
I warned you in 1945 to stop your dishonest behavior.
You thought you was pretty slick, takin' everybody's chick
You considered yourself clever for stealing other men's girlfriends.
You had diamonds and Cadillac cars
Tourin' the world and settin' up bars
You enjoyed a lavish lifestyle of traveling the world, owning bars, and accumulating wealth and possessions.
Your money's gone and your health is bad
All you can tell is the fun you had
You've lost all your money, and your health has deteriorated, leaving you with only memories of the pleasures you once enjoyed.
No, ain't no need-a goin' no further, now
We should stop here, there's no point in going any further.
Contributed by Ryan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.