Spoonful

Howlin' Wolf

About Spoonful

"Spoonful" is a blues song written by Willie Dixon and first recorded in 1960 by Howlin' Wolf. Called "a stark and haunting work", it is one of Dixon's best known and most interpreted songs. Etta James and Harvey Fuqua had a pop and R&B record chart hit with their duet cover of "Spoonful" in 1961, and it was popularized in the late 1960s by the British rock group Cream.


Year:
1989
2:45
327 
#1

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It could be a spoonful of diamond
Could be a spoonful of gold
Just a little spoon of your precious love
Satisfy my soul

Men lies about little
Some of them cries about little
Some of them dies about littles
Everything fight about a spoonful
That spoon, that spoon, that sp-

It could be a spoonful of coffee
Could be a spoonful of tea
But a little spoon of your precious love
Good enough for me

Men lies about that
Some of them dies about that
Some of them cries about that
But everything fight about a spoonful

That spoon, that spoon, that-

Ooh-ooh, fight about spoonfuls
Ooh-ooh, fight about a spoonful

It could be a spoonful of water
Save you from the desert sand
But one spoon of lead from my forty-five
Save you from another man

Men lies about that
Some of them cries about that
Some of them dies about that
Everybody fightin' about a spoonful

That spoon, that spoon, that-

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Howlin' Wolf

Chester Arthur Burnett (June 10, 1910 – January 10, 1976), known as Howlin' Wolf, was an influential American blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player. He was born in West Point, Mississippi in an area now known as White Station. more »

2 fans

Written by: Willie Dixon

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Release
"Spoonful" is a blues song originally written by Willie Dixon in the early 1960s.
Versions of the Song
In 1960, blues singer Howlin' Wolf originally recorded "Spoonful". - The British rock band Cream released their extended version of "Spoonful" in 1966.
Howlin' Wolf's Version
The original version by Howlin' Wolf is energetic and raw which typifies the classic Chicago blues sound. - Backing Howlin' Wolf in the recording studio were some of the leading Chicago blues musicians, including Otis Spann and Hubert Sumlin.
Cream's Version
The rock band Cream delivers the song in their classic '60s psychedelic blues style. This version is further from the original's blues genre performance. - Their version is almost 17 minutes long and took up nearly half of their album Wheels of Fire. - The live version of "Spoonful" by Cream features an extended solo section that displays the pioneering guitar work of Eric Clapton.
Willie Dixon's Influence
Dixon, the composer of "Spoonful", is one of the most vital figures in the history of blues music. - It’s one among many of the blues songs Dixon penned which have become standards in blues music.
Lyrics and Meaning
The lyrics of "Spoonful" are filled with innuendo, suggesting addiction; fame or power, or simply explicit drug references. The repeated line in the song, "It could be a spoonful of coffee, it could be a spoonful of tea", is seen as an allegory.
Song's Popularity and Influence
"Spoonful" has been covered and adapted by numerous artists over the years, signifying its enduring popularity. - Cream's extended version not only showcased their improvisational skills but also helped pave the way for future progressive rock bands.
Continued Performances
Even after breaking up as a band, Cream reunion performances would often include "Spoonful" in their line-up of songs.
Grammy Hall of Fame
Howlin' Wolf's original version of "Spoonful" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, signifying its historical and cultural significance.
Other Prominent Covers
Apart from Cream's noticeable version, the song has been covered by artists like Etta James, The Blues Project, Canned Heat and many others, showcasing the song's universal appeal and adaptability.

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