About The Song
(watch the video below)
"Key to the Highway" is a timeless blues standard that has been covered by countless artists over the years, but perhaps none more famously than Eric Clapton and Keith Richards. Their rendition of the song, featured on Clapton's 2004 album "Me and Mr. Johnson," showcases their exceptional musical chemistry and deep reverence for the blues tradition.
Originally written and recorded by blues legend Big Bill Broonzy in 1940, "Key to the Highway" is a classic example of the Delta blues style, characterized by its simple yet powerful melody and poignant lyrics. The song's narrator laments a failed relationship and expresses a longing to leave town and start anew, using the metaphor of a key to symbolize freedom and escape.
Clapton and Richards' rendition of "Key to the Highway" stays true to the song's blues roots while adding their own unique flair and interpretation. From the moment the first notes of the song ring out, listeners are transported to a smoky blues club, where the music is raw, authentic, and filled with emotion.
Clapton's soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing take center stage, as he effortlessly navigates the song's melodic twists and turns with precision and grace. His emotive delivery brings depth and authenticity to the lyrics, capturing the pain and longing of the song's protagonist with a sense of vulnerability and honesty.
Richards' backing vocals and rhythm guitar add depth and texture to the song, complementing Clapton's performance with their own unique blend of grit and soul. The interplay between Clapton and Richards' guitars is particularly noteworthy, as they trade licks and solos with effortless chemistry and precision, creating a dynamic and captivating musical dialogue.
As the song progresses, Clapton and Richards' performance builds to a climactic crescendo, with their guitars intertwining in a powerful display of musical virtuosity. Their improvisational skills are on full display, as they explore the song's melodic themes and push the boundaries of the blues-rock genre with their electrifying solos.
Beyond its musical brilliance, "Key to the Highway" also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of the blues as a storytelling medium. Clapton and Richards' heartfelt rendition of the song captures the universal themes of love, loss, and longing, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level.
In conclusion, Eric Clapton and Keith Richards' rendition of "Key to the Highway" is a masterful interpretation of a timeless blues classic. Through their exceptional musical talents and deep respect for the blues tradition, they breathe new life into the song, creating a powerful and memorable musical experience that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
I got the key to the highway
Billed out and bound to go
Gonna leave here running
Walking is much too slow
I'm going back to the border
Baby, where I'm better known
Because you haven't done nothing, baby
But drove a good man from home
When the moon peeks over the mountains
Lil girl, I'll be on my way
I'm gonna roam this highway
Until the break of day
So give me one more kiss, darling
Just before I go
'Cause when I leave this time, little girl
I won't be back no more, no more
I got the key (I got the key) to the highway (to the highway)
Billed out and bound to go (I gotta go, I gotta go)
I'm gonna leave here running (mhm)
Walking is much too slow