Today, possessing a résumé that includes stints with an impressively broad range of other musical personalities—Miles Davis, George Harrison, Little Feat, and the Yellowjackets, among many others—Ford has demonstrated an uncanny adaptability similar to that of the MG’s and the Muscle Shoals group. The guitarist has effortlessly traversed genres without compromising his exquisite, blues-based playing and singing. So it’s only natural that on his latest album, Keep On Running (CCD-2187), Ford tips his hat to Muscle Shoals and the MG’s, offering fresh takes on soul classics, in addition to serving up several glowing originals.
Keep On Running boasts a core group of heavyweight players—bassist Jimmy Earl and drummers Toss Panos and Steve Potts. Ford couldn’t be happier with his co-conspirators. Of the low-end, he raves, “Jimmy’s just about my favorite bassist in the world. He has a great feel, and he and I see eye-to-eye in terms of time; Jimmy is so comfortable to play with.” Ford is similarly praiseful of his percussionists: “Steve plays so beautifully. He can do rhythm ’n’ blues in such an authentic way, while at the same time sounding incredibly fresh. And I’ve played with Toss on the road for a couple of years now; I’ve really benefited from his unique feel.”
Among other instrumentalists, Ford expanded the core group with a battery of keyboard players. But after the recording was completed, Ford, a relentless perfectionist, found that their sounds were incongruous. He explains, “At a certain point, I thought, ‘What’s wrong with this picture?’ It turned out I just didn’t want to hear the [Hammond] B3 [organ].” So Ford, himself a diligent multi-instrumentalist, redid most of the keyboard parts, using the more appropriate-sounding Wurlitzer electric piano.
Ford’s journey throughout this CD, his second for Concord Records, covers many musical miles. Starting things off, the title track is a fresh though faithful cover of the Spencer Davis Group classic, which captured a then 17-year-old Steve Winwood on vocals. Joining the core cast here are Bob Malach on tenor sax and Edgar Winter on baritone; Ford expertly handles the guitar, vocal, and keyboard parts. “I really dug this record when I was growing up,” says Ford. “I’d been wanting to hear it again, but it only recently became available on CD. My producer [John Wooler] also had this song in mind. We worked up an arrangement at rehearsal recorded it.”
“Over My Head” showcases Ford’s organic, breezy compositional style in a song dealing with the oldest of subjects: man chases woman, followed by heavy infatuation. Here, his smooth, blues guitar screams and moans in a perfect extension of the song’s soulful vocals. “‘Over My Head’ came from a casual guitar riff that I found myself playing one day,” says Ford. “The words tumbled out quite naturally. The riff seemed to suggest something many men go through as one point, or many times—meeting a woman you know is dangerous but find completely irresistible.”
Ford was at first uncertain about “Can’t Do My Homework,” originally recorded by Otis Rush. The guitarist says, “We played the song, but it has such a camp lyric. It felt so good, though, and was so much fun to play, that we just had to use it.” And it is such an enjoyable listen, too. Showcased here are Ford’s gorgeous guitar tones and sharp, playful improvisations, which never stray too far from Rush’s original version.
On “Badge” (written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison, and recorded by Cream), Ford offers another respectful cover, his smooth vocals backed by those of Siedah Garret (the singer also appears on “Bonnie”), and his creamy guitar tone recalling that of Clapton, while retaining Ford’s own unmistakable imprint. “I’ve always loved the first Cream album, which is brilliant,” says Ford. “Recording ‘Badge’ was John Wooler’s idea. I’m glad he suggested it; the song so was nice to use as a touchstone, since I had worked with Harrison, and he had recently passed away. You can really hear his influence in there, as well as Clapton’s.”
“Peace Love & Understanding” finds Ford using R&B to smooth out a more rocking version recorded previously by Elvis Costello. On this outstanding song, Ford duets with the legendary Mavis Staples (who, incidentally, began her recording career at Stax/Volt in 1969, backed by the MG’s) commenting on the difficult times as of late. Ford explains, “I have to say that I didn’t grow up listening to Elvis Costello. But this song presented a great opportunity: I don’t like what’s going on in the world right now, and “Peace Love & Understanding” expresses a beautiful sentiment.
A smart blues instrumental, “Cannonball Shuffle” was written by Ford for Freddie King. The composition showcases Ford’s gutsy though refined playing, in addition to some fine soloing from Malach. Ford says, “While planning this album, Wooler and I were talking a lot about Freddie King. As a youngster, I’d never gotten next to him, but now that I’ve taken the time to get inside his style, I modeled ‘Cannonball Shuffle’ after tunes like ‘Hideaway’ and ‘The Stumble.’”
The album’s second half—“Me and My Woman,” “Bonnie,” “Lifetime Thing,” “For the Love of Money,” and “Hand in Hand With the Blues”—maintains a similar vibe. It’s at once old-school and, thanks to Ford’s outstandingly fresh playing, contemporary. Ford says, “This is the music I grew up with, when things were more carefree. For me, the album is full of nostalgia. I think we could all use some of that kind of feeling today.”
Chevrolet
Robben Ford & The Blue Line Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Buy you a Chevrolet
Buy you a Chevrolet
Just do somethin' for you
Just do somethin' for you
Buy you a diamond ring
Buy you a diamond ring
Just do somethin' for you
Just do somethin', yeah
Build you a house and home
Build you a house and home
Build you a house and home
Just do somethin' for you
Just do somethin' for you
Buy you a Chevrolet
Buy you a Chevrolet
Buy you a Chevrolet
Just do somethin' for you
Just do somethin' for you
The lyrics of Robben Ford's song "Chevrolet" are simple, yet they convey a deep sense of love and devotion. The song repeats the same three actions of buying a Chevrolet, buying a diamond ring, and building a house, each followed by the simple but powerful phrase "Just do somethin' for you." The repetitive nature of the lyrics underscores the singer's determination to demonstrate his love for his partner in every way possible.
The mention of a Chevrolet in the song takes on significant meaning beyond just a car. For many Americans, a Chevrolet represents an iconic symbol of individuality and freedom. By offering to "Buy you a Chevrolet" repeatedly, the singer is expressing his desire to give his partner a piece of that American dream, a symbol of their love and unity. The other two actions of buying a diamond ring and building a house carry similar significance, as they are also traditional symbols of love, commitment, and stability.
Overall, the lyrics of "Chevrolet" paint a picture of a lover who is willing to do anything to express his love and devotion, using whatever means he has at his disposal to create a sense of security, stability, and happiness for his partner. The repetition of the same actions conveys the depth of his commitment and underscores the importance of the simple things in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Buy you a Chevrolet
I want to show my love and appreciation for you by purchasing a Chevrolet for you.
Buy you a Chevrolet
I want to make sure you know how much I care about you, so I'm willing to purchase a Chevrolet for you.
Buy you a Chevrolet
I want to do something special for you, so I'd like to buy you a Chevrolet.
Just do somethin' for you
I want to show you how much you mean to me, so I'm going to do something special for you by purchasing a Chevrolet.
Just do somethin' for you
I want to make you happy and feel loved, so I'm going to do something special for you by purchasing a Chevrolet.
Buy you a diamond ring
In addition to the Chevrolet, I'd also like to buy you a diamond ring to show how much I value and appreciate you.
Buy you a diamond ring
I want to make you feel special and loved, so I'm going to buy you a diamond ring.
Buy you a diamond ring
I want to show you how much I care about you, so I'm going to purchase a diamond ring for you.
Just do somethin' for you
I want to make you feel appreciated and loved, so I'm going to do something special for you by buying you a diamond ring.
Build you a house and home
I love you so much that I'm willing to build you a home where we can create many happy memories together.
Build you a house and home
I want to create a life together with you, so I'm willing to build a home for us.
Build you a house and home
I want to show you how much I value our relationship, so I'm willing to build a home for us to start our lives together.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lonny Young, Ed Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind