Key to the Highway
Eric Clapton, B.B. King
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I got the key to the highway, Billed out and bound to go I'm gonna leave here running people Because walking is most too slow I'm going back, to the border Before they put up the fence Where I'm better known Because you haven't done nothing baby, Except drove a good man away from home When the moon peeks over the mountains Baby I'm gonna be on my way I'm gonna roam this mean old highway Until the break of day So give me one, give one more kiss baby Before I go, 'Cause when I leave this town I won't be back no more, no more So give me one more kiss baby Give me one more kiss baby before I go, 'Cause when I leave this town I won't be back no more, no more So goodbye, goodbye baby Baby I must, I must, I must say goodbye Cause I'm a roam this mean old highway Until the day I die I'm gonna do this til the day I die folks
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Written by: Charles Segar, William Lee Conley Broonzy
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
6 facts about this song
Composition and Original Release"Key to the Highway" was originally recorded in 1940 by the blues musician William Lee Conley, better known as Big Bill Broonzy. It’s a classic blues song, which has been interpreted and recorded by many blues and rock artists.
- The song is said to be co-authored by Broonzy and Charlie Segar, but there is some debate over this as some sources credit Jazz Gillum.
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Genre and StyleThe song is usually classified as a traditional blues song, known for its opening riff, which has since become a signature blues guitar phrase.
- The track is characterized by its 8-bar blues progression, which is less commonly used than the more familiar 12-bar blues form.
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Popular Cover SongsOne of the most well-known covers of "Key to the Highway" is by Eric Clapton. Clapton first recorded it with Derek and the Dominos for their album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs in 1970.
- This version by Clapton and Derek is a 9-minute long jam, contrasting with the concise 3-minute original by Broonzy.
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Recognition and InfluenceDue to its enduring popularity, "Key to the Highway" was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 2010.
- The song has become a standard in blues and rock, with versions by Little Walter and other prominent musicians. Clapton described it as one of his favorite songs, citing it as a big influence on his playing.
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Performances and RecordingsLittle Walter's version of "Key to the Highway" is a harmonica-driven rendition, reflecting his signature style.
- Jazz Gillum's recording of the song, featuring Big Bill Broonzy on guitar, highlights Gillum's harmonica work. In many ways, it is similar to Segar's piano-based original.
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LegacyAfter more than 80 years since its original release, "Key to the Highway" remains a staple in the musical repertoire of blues and rock music.
- The song is often performed in live shows by famous musicians, such as B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones, cementing its status as an enduring classic of the blues genre.
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"Key to the Highway Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/24863871/Eric+Clapton/Key+to+the+Highway>.
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