About The Song
The Band’s “Up On Cripple Creek” is a timeless rock anthem that first appeared on their self-titled debut album in 1969. The song’s infectious melody and energetic rhythm, coupled with its distinctive blend of folk, country, and rock, have solidified its place as a classic of the genre.
The lyrics of “Up On Cripple Creek” evoke a sense of carefree abandon, celebrating friendship, love, and the simple pleasures of life. Inspired by the real-life mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado, the song’s imagery and upbeat tempo paint a vivid picture of a place where worries fade away and good times abound. The opening line, “We got a feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night,” sets the tone for the song’s celebratory mood.
Beyond its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics, “Up On Cripple Creek” is notable for its dynamic instrumentation. The song features a driving bassline, a steady drumbeat, and a variety of guitar riffs and solos. The interplay between the different instruments creates a sense of energy and excitement that propels the song forward.
The song’s popularity has extended far beyond its initial release. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the spirit of a bygone era while remaining relevant to audiences of all ages.
“Up On Cripple Creek” is more than just a catchy tune; it is a testament to The Band’s unique blend of musical styles and their ability to create timeless classics. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with listeners on a deep emotional level.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Straight down the Mississippi river, to the Gulf of Mexico
To Lake Charles, Louisiana, little Bessie, girl that I once knew
She told me just to come on by, if there’s anything she could do
Up on Cripple Creek she sends me
If I spring a leak she mends me
I don’t have to speak, she defends me
A drunkard’s dream if I ever did see one
Good luck had just stung me, to the race track I did go
She bet on one horse to win and I bet on another to show
The odds were in my favor, I had ’em five to one
When that nag to win came around the track, sure enough she had won
Up on Cripple Creek she sends me
If I spring a leak she mends me
I don’t have to speak, she defends me
A drunkard’s dream if I ever did see one
I took up all of my winnings, and I gave my little Bessie half
She tore it up and threw it in my face, just for a laugh
Now there’s one thing in the whole wide world, I sure would like to see
That’s when that little love of mine, dips her doughnut in my tea
Up on Cripple Creek she sends me
If I spring a leak she mends me
I don’t have to speak, she defends me
A drunkard’s dream if I ever did see one
Now me and my mate were back at the shack, we had Spike Jones on the box
She said, “I can’t take the way he sings, but I love to hear him talk”
Now that just gave my heart a throb, to the bottom of my feet
And I swore as I took another pull, my Bessie can’t be beat
Up on Cripple Creek she sends me
If I spring a leak she mends me
I don’t have to speak, she defends me
A drunkard’s dream if I ever did see one
Now there’s a flood out in California and up north it’s freezing cold
And this living on the road is getting pretty old
So I guess I’ll call up my big mama, tell her I’ll be rolling in
But you know, deep down, I’m kind of tempted to go and see my Bessie again
Up on Cripple Creek she sends me
If I spring a leak she mends me
I don’t have to speak, she defends me
A drunkard’s dream if I ever did see one