The Meaning Behind The Song: Crossroads by Cream
Eric Clapton’s slow hand was at its smoothest when he penned the classic song “Crossroads” with the British power trio Cream in 1968. The song is an homage to blues legend Robert Johnson and his song “Cross Road Blues.” Clapton’s admiration for Johnson, often referred to as the “king of the delta blues,” is evident throughout the song, from the lyrics to the guitar solos.
The Inspiration
Robert Johnson’s life and music inspired Clapton and countless other musicians in the blues rock genre. Johnson’s limited recordings and mysterious death only added to his legend. In an interview with Rolling Stone about his love for Johnson, Clapton said, “When I hear him play, it’s like the genie is out of the bottle. Nobody or nothing could have influenced him like he was influenced, because you don’t hear any of it. It’s all in there behind the notes.”
The Lyrics
The opening lines of “Crossroads” set the tone for the rest of the song:
“I went down to the crossroads
Fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above for mercy
Save me if you please.”
The lyrics draw upon Johnson’s “Cross Road Blues,” where Johnson pleads with the devil to help him out of a difficult situation. Clapton’s version of the song takes a different approach, asking for salvation from a higher power.
The chorus of “Crossroads” is catchy and instantly recognizable:
“I’m going down to the crossroads
Trying to flag a ride
I’m going down to the crossroads
Got no place to hide.”
The repeated phrase “going down to the crossroads” is a nod to both Johnson’s original song and the myth surrounding them. According to legend, Johnson met the devil at the crossroads and sold his soul in exchange for musical talent.
The Guitar Solos
What sets “Crossroads” apart from other blues rock songs is its extended guitar solos. Clapton’s solos, both the one in the middle of the song and the one that closes it out, are masterful displays of his technical skill and emotion.
The middle solo is the more famous of the two, inspired by Johnson’s “Traveling Riverside Blues.” Clapton’s playing in this section is frenzied and intense, building up to a crescendo before dropping back to a slower pace.
The final solo is more relaxed, with Clapton playing around with the melody of the song. It’s a fitting way to end the song, with Clapton paying tribute to Johnson and his legacy.
The Legacy
“Crossroads” was a hit for Cream, reaching #28 on the US charts and becoming a staple of classic rock radio. It’s still a beloved song today, with countless covers and tributes to both Cream and Robert Johnson.
In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked “Crossroads” #409 on their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. The magazine praised the song’s “fearsome Cream version” and Clapton’s “roaring, untrammeled lead guitar breaks.”
Conclusion
“Crossroads” is a song that combines the best of blues rock and traditional blues. Eric Clapton’s admiration for Robert Johnson shines through in the lyrics and guitar solos, making the song an homage to a true legend of the genre.
As Clapton said in a 2004 interview with Guitar World, “I’m only one in a long line of people that were inspired by him and tried to copy things he did. And if you get really into Robert Johnson, it’s not just the guitar playing; it’s also the singing and the way he was recorded. It’s the whole thing, and you can’t really get to the bottom of it.”
“Crossroads” may be a classic rock song, but its roots are firmly planted in the delta blues. Clapton’s tribute to Robert Johnson is a fitting reminder of the power and influence of the blues on modern music.
