About The Song

(Watch the video below)

"Groaning the Blues" stands as a testament to Eric Clapton's mastery of the blues genre, showcasing his unparalleled skill as a guitarist and his deep connection to the music that has influenced him throughout his career. Originally recorded for his 1994 album "From the Cradle," this track embodies the essence of traditional blues while also bearing Clapton's unique stamp of creativity and interpretation.

At its core, "Groaning the Blues" is a showcase of raw emotion and musical virtuosity. From the moment Clapton's guitar cries out in the opening bars, there's an unmistakable sense of urgency and intensity that grabs hold of the listener and refuses to let go. The blues, with its roots in African American culture and history, has always been a vehicle for expressing the full range of human experience, from joy and triumph to pain and sorrow. And in "Groaning the Blues," Clapton taps into that rich tradition with a depth and authenticity that is truly awe-inspiring.

The lyrics, though sparse, are rich in imagery and emotion, painting a vivid picture of a man grappling with the weight of his own suffering. As Clapton's gravelly voice delivers each line with a world-weary intensity, you can almost feel the pain etched into every word. It's a masterclass in vocal delivery, as Clapton imbues each syllable with a sense of longing and desperation that cuts straight to the heart.

But it's Clapton's guitar playing that truly steals the show. From the mournful bends and slides to the blistering solos that seem to defy the laws of physics, every note is imbued with a sense of purpose and intentionality. Clapton's command of the instrument is unparalleled, as he effortlessly navigates the fretboard with a precision and finesse that is nothing short of breathtaking. And yet, for all his technical skill, there's an undeniable soulfulness to his playing that sets him apart from his peers. It's as if he's channeling something greater than himself, tapping into the collective unconsciousness of generations past to bring forth music that is both timeless and transcendent.

The arrangement of "Groaning the Blues" is deceptively simple, with just guitar, bass, and drums providing the musical backdrop. But within that simplicity lies a wealth of complexity and nuance, as each instrument weaves together to create a tapestry of sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. The interplay between Clapton's guitar and the rhythm section is especially noteworthy, with bassist Dave Bronze and drummer Jim Keltner providing the perfect foundation for Clapton's improvisations to soar.

One of the most striking aspects of "Groaning the Blues" is its sense of restraint. Despite the temptation to indulge in flashy pyrotechnics, Clapton opts instead for a more understated approach, allowing each note to breathe and resonate with the listener. It's a testament to his maturity as a musician, as he eschews technical showmanship in favor of emotional depth and authenticity.

The song's title, "Groaning the Blues," is apt, capturing the essence of the blues as a form of musical catharsis. In the blues tradition, groaning refers to the vocalizations of pain and anguish that are often used to express the depths of human suffering. And in "Groaning the Blues," Clapton does just that, channeling his own experiences of loss and heartache into a powerful musical statement that speaks to the universal human condition.

In the end, "Groaning the Blues" is more than just a song; it's a journey—a journey through the depths of the human soul, where pain and sorrow mingle with hope and redemption. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is solace to be found in the music that unites us all. And in the hands of a master like Eric Clapton, that music has the power to heal, to uplift, and to inspire for generations to come.

Video

Lyrics

Let's sing along with the lyrics!

I'm so tired of moaning
Trying to groan away my blues
I'm so tired of moaning
Trying to groan away my blues
I keep weeping and crying
Every time I think of you

I would rather die of starvation
Perish out in the desert sun
I would rather die of starvation
Perish out in the desert sun
Than to think of some other man
Holding you in his arms

My heart gets so heavy
Lord, I shake down in my bones
My heart gets so heavy
Lord, I shake down in my bones
I can't hurt a murderer
Oh Lord, but I'm forced to weep and moan