Hellhound on My Trail
Robert Johnson
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I got to keep movin', I got to keep movin' Blues fallin' down like hail, blues fallin' down like hail Hmmm-mmm, blues fallin' down like hail, blues fallin' down like hail And the days keeps on worryin' me There's a hellhound on my trail, hellhound on my trail Hellhound on my trail If today was Christmas Eve, if today was Christmas Eve And tomorrow was Christmas Day If today was Christmas Eve, and tomorrow was Christmas Day Aw, wouldn't we have a time, baby? All I would need my little sweet rider just To pass the time away, huh-huh To pass the time away You sprinkled hot foot powder, mmm Mmm, around my door, all around my door You sprinkled hot foot powder All around your daddy's door, hmm-hmm-hmm It keep me with ramblin' mind, rider Every old place I go, every old place I go I can tell the wind is risin', the leaves tremblin' on the tree Tremblin' on the tree I can tell the wind is risin', leaves tremblin' on the tree Hmm-hmm hmm-mmm All I need's my little sweet woman And to keep my company, hey, hey, hey My company
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: Robert Johnson
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Historical Significance"Hellhound on My Trail" by Robert Johnson is considered to be a cornerstone of Delta Blues genre and has historical significance. It's widely recognized as one of the greatest songs in the history of blues.
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About the ArtistRobert Johnson is an iconic figure in the world of blues. He's known for his profound influence on future artists, despite his short life and limited discography. His legendary prowess as a guitarist and songwriter is displayed in "Hellhound on My Trail."
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Song InspirationJohnson's "Hellhound on My Trail" is believed to have been inspired by earlier songs and traditional folklore. Some speculate that hellhounds are a metaphor for guilt, depression, or other personal demons.
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Song TitleThe title of the song refers to an old Southern expression used to describe being pursued by bad luck or trouble. This metaphorical 'hellhound' is interpreted as a symbol of constant suffering and haunting past.
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Recording History"Hellhound on My Trail" was recorded on 20th November 1936 during Johnson’s first recording session in San Antonio, Texas. Only one take was made, like all of his recordings.
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Lyrics ReferenceThe lyrics of the song are quite significant. They mirror Robert Johnson's mysterious life, hardship, and nomadic nature. It's often theorized that the lyrics describe Johnson's very real feelings of being pursued by evil or misfortune.
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Influence on Rock and RollThe song has had a profound influence on rock and roll music. Many famous musicians including Eric Clapton and Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant have cited Johnson's "Hellhound on My Trail" as a significant influence on their music.
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Recognitions and AwardsIn 1986, the song received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award, and it is included in the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, indicating its significance on the national cultural and historical level.
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Versions and CoversSeveral other blues and rock artists, including Cream, Fleetwood Mac, and Rory Gallagher, have recorded their own versions of "Hellhound on My Trail".
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Song StructureThe song uses an unconventional, complex slide guitar melody along with the haunting vocals of Johnson. Its structure is based on a 19-bar blues progression that sharply contrasts the standard 12-bar blues.
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Citation
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