Crossroads
The Powerhouse Lyrics
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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 barrel house, 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 Powerhouse's song "Crossroads" is a classic blues song that tells the story of a man who is seeking forgiveness and redemption from a higher power after experiencing hardship and rejection in his life. The opening line "I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees" sets the tone of the song, suggesting a deep sense of desperation and a need for spiritual intervention. The character in the song finds himself at a crossroads in his life, both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing a pivotal moment in his journey where he must make a choice between different paths.
As he tries to "flag a ride" at the crossroads, he finds that nobody seems to know him and everyone passes him by. This loneliness and rejection is a recurring theme in the song and represents the character's struggles with isolation and uncertainty. In the final verse, he sings about going down to Rosedale with his rider by his side, implying that he has found someone to travel with him on his journey. The song ends with the repeated refrain "you can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown", which suggests that the character is still in need of help and support despite finding a companion.
Overall, "Crossroads" is a powerful song that explores themes of redemption, isolation, and the search for meaning in life. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of the blues genre and the way that it can capture the raw emotions and experiences of people from all walks of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.
I humbly went to the intersection of life's choices, acknowledging my vulnerability and need for help.
Asked the Lord above for mercy, "Save me if you please."
I prayed to a higher power for help and salvation from my struggles.
I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride.
I sought out others to help me navigate my challenges, but they were indifferent to my plight.
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by.
I felt ignored and misunderstood by those around me, even as I searched for guidance.
I'm going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side.
I am moving forward, with a companion who supports and strengthens me along the way.
You can still barrel house, baby, on the riverside.
Despite my struggles, there is still joy and celebration to be found in life.
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown.
Even if I am not able to communicate directly, I ask others to pass on my message of farewell.
And I'm standing at the crossroads, believe I'm sinking down.
I am still facing difficult choices and uncertain outcomes, and my sense of despair is growing deeper.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: ERIC PATRICK CLAPTON, ROBERT JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MrDino1953
I’m no musician, but it seems to be in a different key to every other version of Crossroads I’ve ever heard, which gives it a bit of a brighter mood. I really like this version, the upbeat tempo, the tinkling piano backing, Steve Winwood’s vocals and the harmonica doing the lead solo - it’s about as “Black” a sound as a bunch of white guys can get. A precious gem, and they were all so young at the time.
pedroV2003
Cream did the song in A and IIRC this is in C so its a minor 3rd higher.
『 Phagalizer 』
This has a funky feelin to it man. At least to me is what it sounds like. I dig it mate!
Matthew Parker
Really cool to see, wish we could have access to all of his work. Good & bad & just let the music speak to everyone.
Martin Long
I saw/heard Cream at the Fillmore West in 1967. When I found the Electra sampler vinyl in the back of a record store in Duluth MN I was immediately impressed by EC and The Powerhouse. Winwood's vocal was perfect, the best version of the song in my book. The version of Steppin' Out was excellent, more understated than other performances but it had real swing, something less mechanical. Clapton's guitar at that time had a kind of twang, almost like an electric rubber band sound that was really unusual and distinctive. When I heard Cream in San Francisco they were so loud with the Marshall stacks that my ears hurt. They were on the same bill as Mike Bloomfield's Electric Flag and Gary Burton/Larry Coryell. It was an unforgettable night. Having followed Bloomfield and seen Paul Butterfield's band four times I consider myself fortunate and lucky.
Walter Strauhal
Do you remember anything about the Gary Burton/Larry Coryell group? Larry Coryell was creating a distinctive jazz fusion sound in the 60's.
John Knottenbelt
Now seeing this is GREAT ! Had the album in '69 & everybody I speak to about it, looks at me like I was dreaming !
Paul Fraser
I got the news yesterday that Ben Palmer , plays piano on this recording , has passed away . . . . Ben lived up the road from us near Rhayader , mid Wales , since the 1970's and was always a cool , friendly guy . . . . he talked about being road manager for Clapton and Muddy Waters on an American tour , but never mentioned he'd played piano in the Powerhouse . . another musician from that great era of British blues has moved on . . RIP Ben Palmer .
tony blak
Thank you for posting about Ben, I saw somewhere that he was gone but not when. If you want to see Ben when he was a young lad check out the Rolling Hotel film it is on You Tube. Ben was one of Eric's oldest and dearest friends. There is also You tube interview with Ben and his days with cream
Andy Wicks
Thank you both. Ben was my Uncle and I wasn't aware of the Rolling Hotel film. I'll pass it on to my mum & the rest of the family.