Me and the Devil Blues

Eric Clapton

About Me and the Devil Blues

"Me and the Devil Blues" is a blues song by Robert Johnson. It tells the story of the singer's waking up one morning to the devil knocking on the door, telling him that "it's time to go". The lyrics concluded with the lines "You may bury my body down by the highway side" / "So my old evil spirit can catch a Greyhound bus and ride." Johnson recorded the song, among others, in a warehouse in Dallas, that served as a makeshift recording studio, on June 19, 1937. It was his final recording session. The song has become a blues standard and been covered, among others, by Peter Green Splinter Group, Cowboy Junkies, Eric Clapton, Soap&Skin, Widespread Panic, TS McPhee, Gil Scott-Heron, Black Stone Cherry and The Doors. 


Year:
2004
2:56
51 
#1

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Early this mornin', when you knocked upon my door
Early this mornin', when you knocked upon my door
And I said, "Hello, Satan, I believe it's time to go"

Me and the Devil, was walkin' side by side
Me and the Devil, was walkin' side by side
I'm goin' to beat my woman, until I get satisfied

She say you don't see why, that I will dog her 'round
Now, baby, you know you ain't doin' me right, now
She say you don't see why, that I will dog her 'round
It must be that old evil spirit, so deep down in the ground

You may bury my body down by the highway side
I don't care where you bury my body when I'm dead and gone
You may bury my body down by the highway side
So my old evil spirit can take the Greyhound bus and ride

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Eric Clapton

Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945) is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. Clapton ranked second in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and fourth in Gibson's Top 50 Guitarists of All Time. more »

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Written by: ROBERT JOHNSON

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Robert Johnson Inspiration
Robert Johnson is credited with the original creation of "Me and the Devil Blues". He only recorded 29 songs during his short life, but his music has influenced countless musicians, including Eric Clapton and Peter Green.
Eric Clapton’s Rendition
Eric Clapton covered "Me and the Devil Blues" in his album "Me and Mr. Johnson" which was released in 2004. It was an entire album tribute to the works of Robert Johnson.
Peter Green’s Connection
Peter Green also covered this iconic song. Green himself was renowned as one of the "Three Kings" of the British Blues scene in the latter half of the 1960s, the other two being Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor.
Theme of the Song
"Me and the Devil Blues" is a haunting song about a man who wakes up to find the devil at his door. The song explores themes of selling one's soul to the devil, which was a recurring theme in Johnson's music and a common trope in blues songs.
Legacy
"Me and the Devil Blues," along with Johnson's other songs, have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and they are considered to be some of the most important blues songs ever recorded.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Recognition
Both Robert Johnson and Eric Clapton have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Johnson was posthumously inducted in 1986 and Clapton is the only three-time inductee, first as a member of the Yardbirds, then as a member of Cream, and finally as a solo artist in 2000.
Mysterious Circumstances
Robert Johnson's life and death are surrounded by mystery, including the legend that he sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his remarkable musical abilities. It is this very legend that is believed to be the inspiration for "Me and the Devil Blues".
Peter Green’s Retirement
Known for his struggles with mental health, Peter Green retired from the music industry in the 1970s but made some appearances in the following decades. His rendition of "Me and the Devil Blues" often reflected his dark personal struggles.
Influence and Impact
The song "Me and the Devil Blues" has influenced countless artists and been covered in a range of styles, including by the likes of Cowboy Junkies and Gil Scott-Heron. It's recognized for its historic impact on blues music regardless of the performer.

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