About The Song
(watch the video below)
"Sweet Home Chicago" is an iconic blues standard that has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including the rendition by Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, and Jimmie Vaughan. Originally written and recorded by blues legend Robert Johnson in 1936, the song has since become a staple of the blues repertoire and a beloved anthem for the city of Chicago.
At its core, "Sweet Home Chicago" is a celebration of the city's rich musical heritage and its importance in the development of the blues genre. The song's lyrics pay homage to Chicago as a place of refuge and opportunity for African American migrants from the rural South during the Great Migration of the early 20th century. Lines like "Come on, baby don't you wanna go / Back to that same old place / Sweet home Chicago" evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia for the city's vibrant culture and bustling nightlife.
The rendition by Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, and Jimmie Vaughan is a powerhouse collaboration that showcases the collective talents of these legendary musicians. Recorded for the "Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: Eric Clapton" documentary in 2003, the performance is a dynamic and electrifying showcase of blues guitar prowess and soulful vocals.
From the moment the song begins, the listener is transported to the smoky juke joints and lively blues clubs of Chicago's South Side. Eric Clapton's gritty guitar riffs set the stage for the rest of the band, while Robert Cray's soulful vocals add depth and emotion to the lyrics. Buddy Guy's blistering guitar solos are a highlight of the performance, showcasing his unparalleled skill and showmanship as a blues guitarist.
Hubert Sumlin's understated yet powerful guitar work adds a layer of authenticity to the song, drawing on his experience as a longtime collaborator with blues legend Howlin' Wolf. Jimmie Vaughan's soulful guitar licks round out the performance, adding a touch of Texas blues to the mix and highlighting his status as a blues guitar virtuoso in his own right.
Together, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, and Jimmie Vaughan deliver a memorable and electrifying rendition of "Sweet Home Chicago" that pays homage to the song's rich history and enduring legacy. Their collective talents and shared passion for the blues shine through in every note, making this version of the song a standout moment in the annals of blues music history.
In conclusion, "Sweet Home Chicago" is a timeless blues standard that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The rendition by Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, and Jimmie Vaughan is a powerful tribute to the song's roots and a testament to the enduring legacy of the blues genre. With its soulful vocals, electrifying guitar solos, and infectious energy, this version of "Sweet Home Chicago" captures the essence of the blues and pays homage to the city that gave birth to this iconic musical genre.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Come on, baby don't you want to go
Come on, baby don't you want to go
To the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Now, one and one is two, two and two is four
I'm heavy loaded baby, I'm booked, I gotta go
Cryin' baby, honey, don't you want to go
Back to the same old place, my sweet home Chicago
Come on, baby don't you want to go
Com on, baby don't you want to go
To the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Now two and two is four, six and two is eight
Come on baby, don't you make me late
I'm cryin' hey, baby, don't you want to go
To the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Come on, baby don't you want to go
Com on, baby don't you want to go
To the same old place, sweet home Chicago
Two and two is four, four and two is six
Keep staying out late at night you gonna get your business fixed
Six and two is eight, eight and two is ten
She double crossed you one time
And she gonna do it again
I'm going to Chicago, two thousand miles away
Boy won't you tell me that you'll be my friend someday