Love in Vain

The Rolling Stones

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:
2004
4:19
144 

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Well I followed her, to the station
With a suitcase in my hand
Yeah, I followed her to the station
With a suitcase in my hand

Whoa, it's hard to tell, it's hard to tell
When all your love's in vain

When the train, come in the station
I looked her in the eye
Well the train come in the station
And I looked her in the eye

Whoa, I felt so sad so lonesome
That I could not help but cry

When the train left the station
It had two lights on behind
Yeah, when the train left the station
It had two lights on behind

Whoa, the blue light was my baby
And the red light was my mind

All my love was in vain

All my love's in vain

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The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in Dartford in 1962. The earliest settled line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (keyboards, piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums). Since Wyman's retirement in 1993, the band's full members have been Jagger, Richards, Watts and guitarist Ronnie Wood who joined in 1975. Darryl Jones (bassist) and Chuck Leavell (keyboardist) are regular contributors but not full band members. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted the Rolling Stones in 1989, noting that "critical acclaim and popular consensus has accorded them the title of the “World’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.”Rolling Stone magazine ranked them 4… 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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