One Way Out

Elmore James

About One Way Out

"One Way Out" is a blues song first recorded and released in the early-mid-1960s by Sonny Boy Williamson II and Elmore James, an R&B hit under a different name for G. L. Crockett (who also recorded as "G. Davy Crockett") in the mid-1960s, and then popularized to rock audiences in the early 1970s and onward by The Allman Brothers Band.


Year:
1990
2:22
19 
#2

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Ain't but one way out baby,
Lord, I just can't go out the door
Ain't but one way out baby,
And Lord I just can't go out the door
'Cause there's a man down there,
Might be your man I don't know
Lord, you got me trapped woman,
Up on the second floor
If I get by this time,
I won't be trapped no more
So raise our window baby,
I can ease out soft and slow
And Lord, your neighbors, no they won't be,
Talking that stuff that they don't know
Lord, I'm foolish to be here in the first place
I know some man gonna walk in and take my place
Ain't no way in the world,
I'm going out that front door
'Cause there's a man down there,
Might be your man I don't know
'Cause there's a man down there,
Might be your man I don't know
'Cause there's a man down there,
Lord, it just might happen to be your man
Lord, it just a might be your man
Lord, it just a might be your man
Oh baby, I just don't know

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Elmore James

Elmore James (January 27, 1918 – May 24, 1963) was an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter, band leader. He was known as "the King of the Slide Guitar" and had a unique guitar style, noted for his use of loud amplification and his stirring voice. more »

2 fans

Written by: MARSHALL E SEHORN, ELMORE JAMES, SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, GULF COAST MUSIC LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"One Way Out" is a blues song first recorded and released in the early to mid-1960s by both Elmore James and Sonny Boy Williamson II. It's often attributed to both of these blues legends.
Songwriters
The song was penned by Elmore James, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Marshall Sehorn. Sehorn was a New Orleans record producer who worked with a host of musicians, most notably the soul duo Sam & Dave.
Elmore James' Version
The version by Elmore James was recorded in 1960 but was only released after his death in 1963 on the album "The Sky Is Crying."
Sonny Boy Williamson II's Version
Sonny Boy Williamson II recorded his rendition of "One Way Out" in 1961. His version was released on the 1966 UK Decca album "Don't Send Me No Flowers."
Lyrics Interpretation
The lyrics of the song are interpreted as being about a man who is having an affair with a married woman and is trapped in a room (hence "one way out") to avoid being discovered and dealt with by the woman's husband.
Popular Cover
The song was notably covered by American rock band The Allman Brothers Band. This version became more famous and is often the rendition associated with the song.
The Allman Brothers' Version
While The Allman Brothers Band introduced a lot of people to "One Way Out," their version appeared on the 1972 album "Eat a Peach.”
Song Structure
"One Way Out" is a standard twelve-bar blues, showcasing Elmore James' slide guitar skills and Sonny Boy Williamson II's harmonica prowess.
Influence
Despite not being one of his most famous songs, "One Way Out" showcases the profound influence Elmore James had on blues and subsequently, rock and roll.
Live Performance
The Allman Brothers Band’s live performances of “One Way Out“ are among the most well-known, featuring extended instrumental jam sessions and displaying impressive guitar works of the band members.

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