West gained fame the world over during his long career as one of the most innovative and influential musicians in the history of rock music. He is most noted for his role as leader of the explosive hard rock trio, Mountain, which was named by VH-1 as one of the Top 100 Hard Rock Groups of all time. With Mountain, he climbed the heights of rock stardom on the strength of a unique, signature guitar sound and classic songs such as “Mississippi Queen”, “Never In My Life” and “Theme From An Imaginary Western”,and Nantucket Sleighride which are still staples of rock radio to this day. West earned the admiration of a long list of famous peers. During his career, he recorded or played with a litany of rock icons including Billy Joel, Van Halen, The Who, Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix, to name just a few. In fact, Eddie Van Halen, Michael Schenker and Richie Sambora have all cited West as an important influence on their own music.
West's bold, expressive and unique guitar style is really a mirror of his own personality. Spend a little time talking with this larger-than-life figure, and you’ll realize that he is as charismatic without a guitar in his hands as he is with one. Possessing a sharp sense of humor, he was at once gregarious and gruff while recounting stories from his legendary past. When discussing his music projects, he exuded an infectious enthusiasm and excitement. Such projects could take him outside his traditional roles of guitarist, singer and songwriter.
In 1986, he acted alongside Tom Hanks and Shelley Long in the hit comedy film, The Money Pit and has lent his distinctive voice to the popular animated series, Beast Wars Transformers which ran for three seasons on the WB network beginning in 1996 before going into syndication. He has also contributed the theme music to the new WB show, Mutant X.
West was a popular personality on the Howard Stern Radio Show and was Musical Director for the shock jock’s FOX series, as well as for the late comedian Sam Kinison. Most recently, he lent his production and songwriting skills to an album by Atlantic Records’ modern rock group, Clutch, and has just released his own instructional guitar DVD, Big Phat Ass Guitar.
Crossroads
Leslie West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The lyrics to Leslie West's song "Crossroads" tell the story of a person in despair who turns to the Lord for mercy. The singer describes going down to the crossroads and falling down on their knees, pleading for salvation. The crossroads in this context represents a metaphorical meeting point between good and evil, where important decisions must be made. The singer continues to describe their failed attempt at flagging a ride, feeling ignored and unnoticed by those passing by. They then mention going down to Rosedale, presumably a place of comfort and refuge, where they can still indulge in the pleasures of life. However, the song ends with the singer feeling despair once again, believing they are sinking down.
The song's meaning can be interpreted in different ways, but it appears to be a commentary on the human experience and the constant struggle between good and evil, hope and despair. The crossroads represent a turning point, a choice between two paths, and the singer seems lost and unsure of which way to go. The repetition of the phrase "went down to the crossroads" emphasizes the singer's desperation and their need for guidance.
Overall, "Crossroads" is a powerful song that showcases Leslie West's talent for storytelling and guitar playing. The repetitive nature of the lyrics reinforces the sense of despair and desperation felt by the singer, creating a sense of urgency that is further emphasized by the driving rhythm and the wailing guitar solos.
Line by Line Meaning
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees
I was in a state of desperation and fell to my knees to pray for help.
Asked the Lord above for mercy, "Save me if you please."
I beseeched the mercy of God to save me from my troubles.
I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride
I attempted to hitchhike to get away from my problems.
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by
No one recognized me or cared enough to stop and help me.
I'm going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
I am taking my loved one to the town of Rosedale to escape my problems together.
You can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside
Despite everything happening, we can still find joy and party by the river.
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
If you see my friend Willie Brown, tell him he can run and escape his problems too.
And I'm standing at the crossroads, believe I'm sinking down
Despite seeking salvation, I feel like everything is going downhill and I am lost.
Writer(s): ROBERT JOHNSON
Contributed by Eli L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
James Salyers
Great version. Glad you posted it. One of the few players who could due it justice. Clapton would be proud.
Arbeedubya
+James Salyers Clapton, as far as I know, has never acknowledged West. I think West intimidates him.
PuggyBank
"Leslie West is the best!" - Jack Bruce
Dirceu Soares Ribeiro
The King of Tone! That´s all folks!
Robert Fredrica Fredrica
I saw him at the Woodstock 40 year reunion. He was great and he got married on stage. He stole the show. rock on mr. west a true rocker no comprimise
Allen Harvey
Love and peace. Did we do wrong.. Look what. This is...
Ed big truck
RIP to one of the Greatest
SeaBass SeaBass
Such a great cover....RIP
Tom Pease
Really great version of a cream classic I wonder what scene it would have been to see eric and leslie on stage together trading riffs doing crossroads with Jack Bruce on bass and corky lainge on drums
Patricia Kimbrell
Love the Music ♥️🎸♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟♥️🌟