Up on Cripple Creek
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| “Up on Cripple Creek” | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single by The Band from the album The Band |
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| Released | 1970 | |
| Recorded | 1969 | |
| Genre | Rock | |
| Length | 04:30 | |
| Label | Capitol Records | |
"Up on Cripple Creek" is the 5th song on The Band's eponymous second album, The Band. It was released as a single and reached #25 on the Billboard pop chart.[1] The song seems to refer to Cripple Creek in Colorado, which has been associated with mining lore since a gold rush in the 1890's. "Up on Cripple Creek" was written by Band guitarist and principal songwriter Robbie Robertson, with drummer Levon Helm singing lead vocal.
A live performance of "Up on Cripple Creek" appears in The Band's live concert film The Last Waltz, as well as on the accompanying soundtrack album. In addition, a live version of the song appears on Before The Flood; a live album of The Band's various concerts and shows with Bob Dylan whilst touring together in 1974.
[edit] Covers
The Oak Ridge Boys do a cover on their album Bobbie Sue.
[edit] Lyrics
Drawing upon two of The Band's favorite themes, The American South and American folk music, the song tells story of a miner who goes to Lake Charles, Louisiana to stay with a local girl who he knows will put him up for free while he blows his money on drinks. Although he admits to having some feelings for his "little Bessie", he uses her hospitality to drink himself to oblivion. At the end of the song, he pushes off once more for greener pastures, although with the stated intention of coming back to his Bessie.
[edit] References
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