About the song
“Cross Road Blues,” often referred to simply as “Crossroads,” is a seminal blues song by the legendary Robert Johnson. Recorded in 1936, this track has become one of the most iconic pieces in the blues genre, embodying the mystique and raw emotion that characterize Johnson’s music. Johnson, a Mississippi Delta blues singer, and guitarist, is celebrated for his profound influence on the development of blues and rock music.
“Cross Road Blues” was recorded during Johnson’s second and final recording session in San Antonio, Texas. The song features his distinctive guitar playing, marked by complex fingerpicking and slide techniques, as well as his expressive, soulful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man standing at a crossroads, pleading for divine intervention as he faces a critical decision. This imagery has contributed to the mythos surrounding Johnson, including the legendary tale that he sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his extraordinary musical talent.
The song was initially released on a 78 rpm record by Vocalion Records and did not achieve significant commercial success at the time. However, “Cross Road Blues” gained immense recognition in the decades following Johnson’s untimely death in 1938. It became a cornerstone of his legacy, influencing countless musicians and becoming a staple in the repertoire of blues and rock artists.
In 1968, the British rock band Cream, featuring Eric Clapton, released their electrified version of “Crossroads,” which brought the song to a wider audience and cemented its status as a blues-rock standard. Clapton’s searing guitar solos and the band’s powerful performance introduced a new generation to Johnson’s music, highlighting the timeless quality of his work.
Robert Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues” is not just a song; it is a touchstone of American music history. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics capture the essence of the blues, reflecting themes of struggle, desperation, and the search for redemption. For older listeners, it may evoke memories of discovering the roots of rock and roll, while for younger generations, it serves as an introduction to the profound artistry of one of the most enigmatic figures in blues history.
Johnson’s influence extends beyond the music itself, inspiring stories and legends that continue to fascinate fans and scholars alike. “Cross Road Blues” remains a powerful testament to his enduring legacy, a song that bridges the past and the present, and a reminder of the deep, soulful roots of American music.
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Lyrics
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above, “Have mercy, now, save poor Bob if you please”
Yeah, standin’ at the crossroad, tried to flag a ride
Ooh-ee, I tried to flag a ride
Didn’t nobody seem to know me, babe, everybody pass me by
Standin’ at the crossroad, baby, risin’ sun goin’ down
Standin’ at the crossroad, baby, risin’ sun goin’ down
I believe to my soul, now, poor Bob is sinkin’ down
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
That I got the crossroad blues this mornin’, Lord, baby, I’m sinkin’ down
And I went to the crossroad, mama, I looked East and West
I went to the crossroad, baby, I looked East and West
Lord, I didn’t have no sweet woman, ooh well, babe, in my distress