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.
Hitchhiking Woman
John Hammond Lyrics
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If you is a hitch hiking woman you can thumb a ride with me
Just had my crank gates cleaned, mama, my motor won't give out on me
The wind is blowing right through my windshield heart
The wind is blowing right through my windshield heart
I guess I'm driving slow and easy, mama, tell me just how do you feel
I'm driving slow and easy, mama, don't you feel all right?
I'm inviting you now, darling, one day I'll make you first and fire
I'm going to drive slow and easy, baby, it ain't no way to make it last
I'm going to drive slow and easy, baby, it ain't no way to make it last
And when the riding gets good, mama, I'm going to shake my hand at you
The song Hitchhiking Woman by John Hammond portrays a man who is ready to pick up any hitchhiking woman on the road with him. He invites her to thumb a ride with him, reassuring her that his vehicle is in great condition after his crank gates have been cleaned, and his motor will not give out on him. Despite the wind blowing right through his windshield heart, the man is driving slow and easy, and he asks the woman how she feels. He assures her that he will take things slow and easy and eventually make her his first and fire.
The lyrics represent the quintessential blues theme of man and woman coming together. The man is driving, and he invites the woman to join him on his journey. It highlights the spontaneity of hitchhiking and the thrill of meeting someone new on the road. The assurance of the man's vehicle's condition and his slow and easy driving suggest that he will take care of the hitchhiking woman, and she will not be in any danger.
Line by Line Meaning
If you is a hitch hiking woman you can thumb a ride with me
I am offering you a ride if you are a woman who is hitchhiking.
Just had my crank gates cleaned, mama, my motor won't give out on me
I have just had my car serviced, so it won't break down on the way.
The wind is blowing right through my windshield heart
I feel exposed and vulnerable.
I guess I'm driving slow and easy, mama, tell me just how do you feel
I am driving cautiously, so let me know if you have any concerns.
I'm driving slow and easy, mama, don't you feel all right?
I am driving in a comfortable manner, so I hope you are enjoying the ride.
I'm inviting you now, darling, one day I'll make you first and fire
I am interested in you and hope to have a deeper connection with you in the future.
I'm going to drive slow and easy, baby, it ain't no way to make it last
I am intentionally driving at a leisurely pace because I don't want this moment to end too soon.
And when the riding gets good, mama, I'm going to shake my hand at you
When we are both having a good time, I will acknowledge and celebrate it with you.
Contributed by Alexandra M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.