Key to the Highway

Eric Clapton, Derek & the Dominos

About Key to the Highway

"Key to the Highway" is a blues standard that has been performed and recorded by several blues and other artists. Blues pianist Charlie Segar first recorded the song in 1940. Jazz Gillum and Big Bill Broonzy followed with recordings in 1940 and 1941, using an arrangement that has become the standard. When Little Walter updated the song in 1958 in an electric Chicago blues style, it became a success on the R&B record chart. A variety of artists have since interpreted the song, including Eric Clapton, who recorded several versions.  


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I got the key to the highway
Billed out and bound to go 
I'm gonna leave here running
Walking is most too slow 

I'm going back to the border 
Woman, where I'm better known 
You know you haven't done nothing 
Drove a good man away from home 

Oh give me one, one more kiss mama 
Just before I go
'Cause when I leave this time you know I
I won't be back no more 

I got the key, key to the highway 
Good time and bound to go 
I'm gonna leave here running
Walking is most too slow 

I got the key to the highway
Oh, oh, billed out and bound to go 
I'm gonna leave here running
Walking is most too slow 

I'm going back, back to the border 
Where I'm better known 
You know you haven't done nothing 
Drove a good man away from home

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Eric Clapton

Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945) is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. Clapton ranked second in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and fourth in Gibson's Top 50 Guitarists of All Time. more »

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Written by: Charles Segar, William Lee Conley Broonzy

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

Composition and Original Release
"Key to the Highway" was originally recorded in 1940 by the blues musician William Lee Conley, better known as Big Bill Broonzy. It’s a classic blues song, which has been interpreted and recorded by many blues and rock artists. - The song is said to be co-authored by Broonzy and Charlie Segar, but there is some debate over this as some sources credit Jazz Gillum.
Genre and Style
The song is usually classified as a traditional blues song, known for its opening riff, which has since become a signature blues guitar phrase. - The track is characterized by its 8-bar blues progression, which is less commonly used than the more familiar 12-bar blues form.
Popular Cover Songs
One of the most well-known covers of "Key to the Highway" is by Eric Clapton. Clapton first recorded it with Derek and the Dominos for their album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs in 1970. - This version by Clapton and Derek is a 9-minute long jam, contrasting with the concise 3-minute original by Broonzy.
Recognition and Influence
Due to its enduring popularity, "Key to the Highway" was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 2010. - The song has become a standard in blues and rock, with versions by Little Walter and other prominent musicians. Clapton described it as one of his favorite songs, citing it as a big influence on his playing.
Performances and Recordings
Little Walter's version of "Key to the Highway" is a harmonica-driven rendition, reflecting his signature style. - Jazz Gillum's recording of the song, featuring Big Bill Broonzy on guitar, highlights Gillum's harmonica work. In many ways, it is similar to Segar's piano-based original.
Legacy
After more than 80 years since its original release, "Key to the Highway" remains a staple in the musical repertoire of blues and rock music. - The song is often performed in live shows by famous musicians, such as B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones, cementing its status as an enduring classic of the blues genre.

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