Love in Vain

Robert Johnson

About Love in Vain

"Love in Vain" (originally "Love in Vain Blues") is a blues song written by American musician Robert Johnson. He sings of unrequited love, using a departing train as a metaphor for his loss. Johnson's performance – vocal accompanied by his finger-style acoustic guitar playing – has been described as "devastatingly bleak". He recorded the song in 1937 during his last recording session and in 1939 it was issued as the last of his original 78 rpm records. "Love in Vain" has elements of earlier Delta blues songs and for a while it was believed to be in the public domain. In 1969, the Rolling Stones recorded an updated rendition featuring an electric slide guitar solo. The popularity of their adaptation led to a lawsuit over the copyright, which was eventually resolved in favor of Johnson's estate. Various artists have recorded the song. 


Year:
2013
2:17

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I followed her to the station, with a suitcase in my hand
And I followed her to the station, with a suitcase in my hand
Well, it's hard to tell, it's hard to tell, when all your love's in vain
All my love's in vain

When the train rolled up to the station, I looked her in the eye
When the train rolled up to the station, and I looked her in the eye
Well, I was lonesome, I felt so lonesome, and I could not help but cry
All my love's in vain

When the train, it left the station, with two lights on behind
When the train, it left the station, with two lights on behind
Well, the blue light was my blues, and the red light was my mind
All my love's in vain

Hoo-hoo, ooh, Willie Mae
Oh oh hey, hoo, Willie Mae
Hoo-hoo, ooh, eeh, oh woe
All my love's in vain

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Robert Johnson

Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 – August 16, 1938) was an American blues singer and musician. His landmark recordings from 1936–37 display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that has influenced later generations of musicians. Johnson's shadowy, poorly documented life and death at age 27 have given rise to much legend, including the Faustian myth that he sold his soul at a crossroads to achieve success. As an itinerant performer who played mostly on street corners, in juke joints, and at Saturday night dances, Johnson had little commercial success or public recognition in his lifetime. more »

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Written by: Robert Leroy Johnson

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


3 facts about this song

Robert Johnson
"Love in Vain" was originally written and recorded by the legendary American blues musician, Robert Johnson, in 1937. - Johnson's original recording of "Love in Vain" was released on a 78 rpm record by Vocalion Records. - It was one of the last songs Johnson ever recorded. His version is often regarded as an exemplary display of his poignant, emotionally intense style. - The song's lyrics tell a story of unrequited love and heartbreak, although the line "the blue light was my baby, and the red light was my mind" has been interpreted by some as a metaphor for depression. - The original version of the song is included in the album "The Complete Recordings," a compilation of all Johnson’s recordings, released posthumously in 1990.
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones covered "Love in Vain" and released their rendition on their 1969 album, "Let It Bleed". - Keith Richards was greatly influenced by Johnson, and it was his idea to cover the song. - The song had a significant modification in sound when the Rolling Stones performed it. While Johnson’s version was a melancholy, acoustic blues tune, The Rolling Stones adopted a rock and roll feel emphasizing on electric guitars and a rock beat. - The Stones' cover of "Love in Vain" has been critically acclaimed and is often singled out as a highlight of the "Let It Bleed" album. - Mick Jagger and his bandmates have played "Love in Vain" live during numerous concerts, proving the song's enduring popularity among their fan base. - In 2004, the song was reissued by ABKCO Records on "Singles 1968–1971".
Legacy
Both versions of the song have been cited by many modern musicians as a source of inspiration, showcasing how the song's emotional resonance has transcended genre and era. - "Love in Vain" has continued to be covered by many different artists in the years since its original release, including Eric Clapton and The Faces. - The song has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further underscoring its significant impact on the world of music.

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