About The Song
(watch the video below)
"Deserted Cities of the Heart" is a captivating and dynamic song by the British rock band Cream, featuring guitar virtuoso Eric Clapton. Released in 1968 as part of their album "Wheels of Fire," the song showcases the band's unique blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic influences, and highlights Clapton's exceptional guitar work and emotive vocals.
At its core, "Deserted Cities of the Heart" is a journey through a landscape of emotional turmoil and longing. The lyrics, penned by poet Pete Brown, paint a vivid picture of a desolate and abandoned world, where the narrator searches for love and meaning amidst the ruins of lost relationships. Lines like "I felt the desert heat light up my eyes / Thought I was hypnotized" evoke a sense of surrealism and existential exploration, inviting listeners to delve into the depths of the human experience.
Musically, "Deserted Cities of the Heart" is characterized by its driving rhythm, intricate guitar riffs, and dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity. The song opens with a powerful guitar riff by Clapton, immediately grabbing the listener's attention and setting the stage for the rest of the track. Jack Bruce's pulsating bassline and Ginger Baker's thunderous drumming provide a solid foundation for Clapton's guitar pyrotechnics, creating a dynamic and electrifying sound that captivates the listener from start to finish.
One of the song's most notable features is Clapton's masterful guitar solos, which showcase his unparalleled skill and creativity as a guitarist. His fluid and expressive playing effortlessly navigates the song's shifting dynamics, soaring to exhilarating heights during the climactic instrumental sections. Each solo is a testament to Clapton's status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, with his emotive phrasing and impeccable technique leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Beyond its musical prowess, "Deserted Cities of the Heart" also carries a sense of urgency and emotional depth that resonates with listeners. The song's themes of longing, disillusionment, and existential questioning are universal, striking a chord with anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love or the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
In conclusion, "Deserted Cities of the Heart" is a masterpiece of rock music that showcases Cream's exceptional musicianship and Eric Clapton's unparalleled guitar skills. With its captivating lyrics, dynamic instrumentation, and emotive performances, the song remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners and inspire musicians to this day.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Upon this street where time has died.
The golden treat you never tried.
In times of old, in days gone by.
If I could catch your dancing eye.
It was on the way,
On the road to dreams, yeah.
Now my heart's drowned in no love streams, yeah.
The street is cold, its trees are gone.
The story's told the dark has won.
Once we set sail to catch a star.
We had to fail, it was too far.
It was on the way,
On the road to dreams, yeah.
Now my heart's drowned in no love streams, yeah.
I felt the wind shout like a drum.
You said, "My friend, love's end has come."
It couldn't last, had to stop.
You drained it all to the last drop.
It was on the way,
On the road to dreams, yeah.
Now my heart's drowned in no love streams, yeah.
Now my heart's drowned in no love streams, yeah.
On this dark street the sun is black.
The winter life is coming back.
On this dark street it's cold inside.
There's no retreat from time that's died.
It was on the way,
On the road to dreams.
Now my heart's drowned in no love streams,
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Now my heart's drowned in no love streams, yeah.
Now my heart's drowned in no love.
