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.
Goin' Down Slow
John Hammond Lyrics
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I have had my fun if I never get well no more
All of my health is failing
Lord, I'm going down slow
I'm going down slow
Please write my mother and tell her the shape I'm in
Please write my mother and tell her the shape I'm in
Tell her to pray for me
For all of my sin
On the next train south
Look for my clothes back home
On the next train south
Look for my clothes back home
'Cause all of my health is failing
Lord, I'm going down slow
I'm going down slow
All of my health is failing
Lord, I'm going down slow
I'm going down slow
Feel like I'm going, like I'm going down slow
I feel like I'm going, like I'm going down slow
I feel like I'm going, like I'm going down slow
I feel like I'm going, like I'm going down slow
I feel like I'm going, like I'm going down slow
John Hammond's song "Goin' Down Slow" is a blues ballad that tells the story of a man who has lived a wild and reckless life, and is now facing the consequences of his actions. The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware of his impending death and is resigned to his fate. He laments that he has had his fun, but now all of his health is failing and he is going down slow. The repeated refrain emphasizes the gravity of the situation and conveys a sense of inevitability.
The singer requests that someone write to his mother to let her know the state he is in and to ask her to pray for him and forgive him for his sins. He seems to have a sense of remorse for the way he has lived his life, but it is too late to make amends. The final verse describes the singer's belongings being sent back home on the next train south, suggesting that he is either in a hospital or has passed away.
Overall, "Goin' Down Slow" is a poignant reflection on the consequences of a life lived recklessly, and the inevitability of death. The lyrics convey a sense of regret and resignation, but also a reminder that we must all face the consequences of our actions, whether good or bad.
Line by Line Meaning
I have had my fun if I never get well no more
I have lived my life to the fullest and have no regrets, even if I never fully recover from my current illness
All of my health is failing
My physical condition is worsening with each passing day
Lord, I'm going down slow
I am slowly succumbing to my illness and approaching death
Please write my mother and tell her the shape I'm in
Please inform my mother of my poor health and condition, as she may need to prepare for the worst
Tell her to pray for me
Request that my mother prays for my recovery and well-being
Forgive me for my sin
Ask for forgiveness of any wrongdoing or mistakes I may have made in life
On the next train south
Look for my clothes back home
In preparation for my inevitable death, you will find my personal belongings on the next train south heading towards my home
'Cause all of my health is failing
The reason for my belongings being sent home is that my physical health is rapidly declining
Feel like I'm going, like I'm going down slow
I feel like I am slowly losing my life and it is happening at a slow pace
Contributed by Adrian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.