John Mayall is often referred to as the "Father of the British blues." His well-known band is still called John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. They started out in the late 1950s in England, using Chicago style blues as a starting basis for their sound, which has evolved from album to album. And while at one point John Mayall was playing a fairly jazzy sound, he has always come back to the blues.
One of the interesting features of the Bluesbreakers is that members have changed on a very regular basis, and many have gone on to well deserved fame and fortune with other bands and as solo acts. Past members include: Eric Clapton, and Jack Bruce, (also of Cream), Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, and Mick Taylor, (who went on to a five -year stint with the Stones.) The studio album recorded with Clapton, entitled John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, was recorded in 1966, and is widely considered to be one of the great classic blues albums on either side of the stormy Atlantic. Cream came round right after.
John Mayall stands out for several reasons - his standing up for the blues, while experimenting with different approaches, his ability to attract the best of musicians; and perhaps most notably his willingness to work with musicians who far outshine him in sheer ability. And he himself sounds very good!
From:Wikipedia
Thoughts About Roxanne
John Mayall Lyrics
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But she is hardly ever home
I know she's gotten a lovin' man
And so I see her when I can
Roxanne will always be my friend
And that's the way I'll keep her love
I think she's pretty as a rose
I'd like to take her home with me
But I must wait until she's free
Roxanne will always be my friend
And that's the way I'll keep her love
I love to touch her when we walk
I love to listen to her talk
The way I feel I can't explain
But I will wait for her again
Roxanne will always be my friend
And that's the way I'll keep her love
In John Mayall's song "Thoughts About Roxanne," the singer sings about his love for a woman named Roxanne who is already in a relationship. He expresses his frustration at not being able to see her as much as he would like because she is often with her "lovin' man." Despite this, he is content with being her friend and continuing to shower her with gifts and affection. The song has a nostalgic and wistful feel to it, as though the singer knows deep down that his love for Roxanne will never be fully realized.
The lyrics can be interpreted in a number of ways. On one level, the song is simply about unrequited love and the pain of being romantically interested in someone who is already taken. On another level, it could be seen as a commentary on the nature of friendship and the blurred lines between platonic and romantic relationships. The singer clearly loves Roxanne deeply, but he is willing to settle for friendship and continue to be a part of her life in whatever capacity she will allow.
Line by Line Meaning
I call her on the telephone
I try to reach out to Roxanne through phone calls
But she is hardly ever home
But Roxanne is rarely at her place to answer my calls
I know she's gotten a lovin' man
I understand that Roxanne has found a man to love her
And so I see her when I can
So, I try to catch up with Roxanne whenever I get the chance
Roxanne will always be my friend
I have a deep bond with Roxanne which will always be special
And that's the way I'll keep her love
I'll make sure to maintain our friendship to cherish the love she has for me
I think she's pretty as a rose
I find Roxanne incredibly beautiful just like a rose
I take her out and buy her clothes
I like to treat Roxanne with gifts and take her shopping
I'd like to take her home with me
I wish to have Roxanne with me at my home
But I must wait until she's free
But I need to wait until Roxanne is available to be with me
I love to touch her when we walk
I really enjoy the physical touch with Roxanne when we walk together
I love to listen to her talk
I absolutely love listening to Roxanne's conversations
The way I feel I can't explain
The emotions I experience with Roxanne are complex and difficult to express
But I will wait for her again
I won't give up on having Roxanne with me and will wait patiently
Roxanne will always be my friend
My relationship with Roxanne will always remain as a close friendship
And that's the way I'll keep her love
I'll preserve her love by valuing our friendship and keep it from being more complicated
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN MAYALL, STEVE (GB) THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind