Evil Ways

Santana

About Evil Ways

"Evil Ways" is a song made famous by Mexican-American rock band Santana from their 1969 debut album Santana. It was written by Clarence "Sonny" Henry and originally recorded by jazz percussionist Willie Bobo on his 1967 album Bobo Motion. Alongside Santana's release in 1969, "Evil Ways" was also recorded by the band The Village Callers. The lyrics of the song are written in simple verse form. Released as a single in late 1969, it became Santana's first top 40 and top 10 hit in the US, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart on March 21, 1970. Gregg Rolie performs the lead vocals and plays a Hammond organ solo in the middle section. The double-time coda includes a guitar solo performed by Carlos Santana, who also does the backing vocals. 


Year:
2014
5:27
69 

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You've got to change your evil ways, baby
Before I stop lovin' you
You've got to change, baby
And every word that I say is true
You got me runnin' and hidin' all over town
You got me sneakin' and a-peepin' and runnin' you down
This can't go on, Lord knows you got to change, baby

When I come home, baby
My house is dark and my pots are cold
You're hangin' round, baby
With Jean and Joan and-a who knows who
I'm gettin' tried of waitin' and foolin' around
I'll find somebody who won't make me feel like a clown
This can't go on, Lord knows you got to change, baby

When I come home, baby
My house is dark and my pots are cold
You're hangin' round, baby
With Jean and Joan and-a who knows who
I'm gettin' tried of waitin' and foolin' around
I'll find somebody who won't make me feel like a clown
This can't go on, Lord knows you got to change, baby

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Santana

Santana is a rock band based around guitarist Carlos Santana and founded in the late 1960s. It first came to public attention after they performed the song "Soul Sacrifice" at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, when their Latin rock provided a contrast to other acts on the bill. This initial exposure made their first, eponymous album a hit at the time, followed in the next two years by successful follow-ups Abraxas and Santana III. more »

4 fans

Written by: CLARENCE ARTHUR HENRY

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Details
"Evil Ways" is a song by Santana from their 1969 debut album, "Santana." It was also released as a single in 1969.
Chart Performance
The track reached no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the band's first top 10 hit.
Song Cover
The song is actually a cover of a 1968 song by Willie Bobo, of the same name on his album "Bobo Motion."
Not Santana's Composition
Despite being one of Santana’s biggest hits, it was not composed by Carlos Santana. Instead, it was written by American rhythm and blues artist, Clarence "Sonny" Henry.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Evil Ways" revolve around a man's plea to his lover, warning her of her harmful behavior. The song's title derives from the lyric "you've got to change your evil ways."
Pop Culture
"Evil Ways" has been featured in several TV shows and films, including "Remember the Titans" and the TV series "The Sopranos".
Music Style
Santana's rendition of "Evil Ways" is recognized for its Latin rock sound, which combines rock and roll with Latin American music elements.
Successful Album
The album "Santana," featuring "Evil Ways," marked the high-impact debut of the band, becoming a huge hit, reaching #4 on the U.S. album charts.
Influence
The popularity of "Evil Ways" helped to cement Santana's reputation as pioneers of the fusion between rock and Latin music, greatly influencing subsequent musicians.
Live Performances
"Evil Ways" continues to be a staple in Santana's live performances and is often used to showcase the band’s musical prowess.

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    Evil Ways

    6M
    41,196     1,179

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #9


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