I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above, "Have mercy, now, save poor Bob if you please"

Yeah, standin' at the crossroad, tried to flag a ride
Ooh-ee, I tried to flag a ride
Didn't nobody seem to know me, babe, everybody pass me by

Standin' at the crossroad, baby, risin' sun goin' down
Standin' at the crossroad, baby, risin' sun goin' down
I believe to my soul, now, poor Bob is sinkin' down

You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
You can run, you can run, tell my friend Willie Brown
That I got the crossroad blues this mornin', Lord, baby, I'm sinkin' down

And I went to the crossroad, mama, I looked East and West
I went to the crossroad, baby, I looked East and West
Lord, I didn't have no sweet woman, ooh well, babe, in my distress


Lyrics submitted by neverheardofhim

Cross Road Blues Lyrics as written by Robert Johnson

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

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Cross Road Blues song meanings
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  • +1
    General Comment

    I've read quite a few interpretations of this song. The one I find most convincing is one I would not have had the knowledge to think of myself: that Robert was worried about being caught after sunset in a place where blacks at that time were not "allowed". When the sun sets, he fears that being found out could mean him getting lynched. It seems to fit most of the words. Though, maybe "got the cross road blues this morning" implies he made it through the night. The fact is, we'll never know exactly what RJ intended with his words. But the whole devil thing is most likely a red herring, imho.

    slightreturn27on July 08, 2009   Link

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