About The Song
(watch the video below)
"Stormy Monday," originally written and recorded by blues legend T-Bone Walker in 1947, is a timeless blues standard that has been covered by countless artists over the years. One of the most notable renditions of the song is by the iconic blues-rock band Cream, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass, and Ginger Baker on drums. Cream's version of "Stormy Monday" is a masterful interpretation that showcases the band's unparalleled musicianship and their ability to breathe new life into a classic blues composition.
The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of heartache and longing, with lines like "They call it Stormy Monday, but Tuesday's just as bad / Wednesday's worse, and Thursday's also sad" capturing the despair of someone grappling with the pain of lost love. The imagery of stormy weather serves as a metaphor for the emotional turbulence experienced by the song's protagonist, adding depth and nuance to the song's lyrical narrative.
Cream's rendition of "Stormy Monday" is a testament to the band's virtuosity and their deep understanding of the blues genre. Eric Clapton's soulful guitar playing is front and center, with his emotive phrasing and impeccable tone lending the song a sense of raw emotion and authenticity. His guitar solos are a highlight of the performance, showcasing his unparalleled skill and mastery of the instrument.
Jack Bruce's soulful vocals are another standout element of Cream's rendition of "Stormy Monday." His rich and expressive voice perfectly captures the pain and longing expressed in the song's lyrics, while Ginger Baker's dynamic drumming provides a solid foundation for the band's sound, driving the rhythm forward with precision and intensity.
One of the most impressive aspects of Cream's version of "Stormy Monday" is the band's ability to create a sense of improvisation and spontaneity within the framework of the song. The extended instrumental sections allow Clapton, Bruce, and Baker to showcase their individual talents while also demonstrating their tight-knit musical chemistry as a band.
Overall, Cream's rendition of "Stormy Monday" is a powerful and soulful interpretation of a classic blues standard. With their impeccable musicianship and deep reverence for the blues tradition, Clapton, Bruce, and Baker breathe new life into the song, creating a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
They called it stormy Monday
And Tuesday's just as bad
They called it stormy Monday
Tuesday's just as bad
Wednesday's the worst
And Thursday's also sad
Well, the eagle flies on Friday
And Saturday I go out and play
Don't you know that the eagle flies on Friday
And Saturday I go out and play
Sunday I'll go to church
Then I'll kneel down on my knees and I'll pray
Oh Lord, help me
Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy on me
Lord, have mercy, Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy on me
Said I done searched the whole world over
And I can't find my lover nowhere
Oh Lord
Said I cried, Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
Said I cried, Lord have mercy
Lord have mercy on me
Send my baby back
Or I will live in misery
Oh Lord, hey hey