Meaning and Lyrics of Crossroads by Cream
Song Lyrics meaning ofΒ Crossroads by Cream
About Cream
Cream was a British rock band formed in 1966, consisting of guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker. Known for their innovative fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelic music, Cream became one of the pioneers of the British rock scene. The band released several successful albums and singles, including timeless classics like βSunshine of Your Loveβ and βWhite Room.β
One of Creamβs well-known songs is βCrossroads,β a blues-rock track originally written and performed by Robert Johnson. Creamβs rendition of the song, featured on their live album βWheels of Fire,β showcases their exceptional musical talent and improvisational skills. βCrossroadsβ has since become a staple of classic rock radio and continues to be celebrated as a key moment in the bandβs illustrious career.
Meaning of Crossroads by Cream
βCrossroadsβ by Cream, written by Robert Johnson, is a classic blues song rich in symbolism and emotion. The lyrics depict a journey to the crossroads, a place often associated with making life-altering decisions or facing significant challenges. The protagonist falls down on their knees, a symbol of humility and submission, asking for mercy from a higher power. This act suggests a sense of desperation, seeking guidance or salvation amidst difficulty.
The repeated references to the crossroads and the attempt to flag a ride highlight a sense of being lost or seeking direction, feeling unnoticed or ignored by others. The imagery of Rosedale and the riverside can be a metaphor for finding peace or solace in a specific place or with a specific person. The mention of barrel housing can symbolize finding joy or release through music or a shared experience.
The guitar solos in the song play a significant role in conveying the emotions and struggles of the protagonist. The solos can be seen as a musical expression of the inner turmoil, confusion, and longing for resolution felt by the singer. The repetition of certain verses, like going down to Rosedale and running to tell Willie Brown, adds to the sense of urgency and inevitability in the narrative.
The spoken outro mentioning Eric Claptonβs lead vocals highlights the performance aspect of the song, adding a personal touch and showcasing the talent and passion behind the music. Overall, βCrossroadsβ can be interpreted as a soulful reflection on lifeβs challenges, the search for meaning, and the desire for transcendence or redemption in the face of adversity.
The repeated references to the crossroads and the attempt to flag a ride highlight a sense of being lost or seeking direction, feeling unnoticed or ignored by others. The imagery of Rosedale and the riverside can be a metaphor for finding peace or solace in a specific place or with a specific person. The mention of barrel housing can symbolize finding joy or release through music or a shared experience.
The guitar solos in the song play a significant role in conveying the emotions and struggles of the protagonist. The solos can be seen as a musical expression of the inner turmoil, confusion, and longing for resolution felt by the singer. The repetition of certain verses, like going down to Rosedale and running to tell Willie Brown, adds to the sense of urgency and inevitability in the narrative.
The spoken outro mentioning Eric Claptonβs lead vocals highlights the performance aspect of the song, adding a personal touch and showcasing the talent and passion behind the music. Overall, βCrossroadsβ can be interpreted as a soulful reflection on lifeβs challenges, the search for meaning, and the desire for transcendence or redemption in the face of adversity.
Lyrics of Crossroads by Cream
Verse 1
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees
Down to the crossroads fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above for mercy, "Take me, if you please"
Verse 2
I went down to the crossroads tried to flag a ride
Down to the crossroads tried to flag a ride
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by
Verse 3
Well, I'm going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
Going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
We can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside
Guitar Solo
Verse 4
Going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
Going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
We can still barrel house, baby, on the riverside
Guitar Solo
Verse 5
You can run, you can run tell my friend boy Willie Brown
Run, you can run tell my friend boy Willie Brown
And I'm standing at the crossroads believe I'm sinking down
Spoken Outro
Uh, Eric Clapton lead, uh, vocal
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees
Down to the crossroads fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above for mercy, "Take me, if you please"
Verse 2
I went down to the crossroads tried to flag a ride
Down to the crossroads tried to flag a ride
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by
Verse 3
Well, I'm going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
Going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
We can still barrelhouse, baby, on the riverside
Guitar Solo
Verse 4
Going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
Going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
We can still barrel house, baby, on the riverside
Guitar Solo
Verse 5
You can run, you can run tell my friend boy Willie Brown
Run, you can run tell my friend boy Willie Brown
And I'm standing at the crossroads believe I'm sinking down
Spoken Outro
Uh, Eric Clapton lead, uh, vocal
Discography Cream
Goodbye Tour β Live 1968
Release: 2020-03-06
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: π
Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6 2005 (Live)
Release: 2005-09-30
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: π
BBC Sessions
Release: 2003-01-01
Label: Polydor Records
Upcoming Events for Cream
DJ Mag Presents: Whipped Cream
Price Range: $25 β 30
Date: 2024-07-25
Location: Soundcheck
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Goodbye Tour β Live 1968
Release: 2020-03-06
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: π
Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6 2005 (Live)
Release: 2005-09-30
Label: UMC (Universal Music Catalogue)
Popularity: π
BBC Sessions
Release: 2003-01-01
Label: Polydor Records
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