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.
A lot of way over-the-top thinking on interpreting what is a simple plea in Crossroads. Yours is more cogent as most but still goes beyond what Johnson gave us to work with. I agree with the comment below "the devil is a red herring" It is not necessary to feel the emotional weight bring the singer down.
A lot of way over-the-top thinking on interpreting what is a simple plea in Crossroads. Yours is more cogent as most but still goes beyond what Johnson gave us to work with. I agree with the comment below "the devil is a red herring" It is not necessary to feel the emotional weight bring the singer down.
At a Crossroads, a metaphor for a crisis. the singer, cries for help but no help comes.
Not from the Lord above (no answer comes)
Not from passersby
The rising sun should not go down - all nature has turned against him.
He warns his friend - but Willie never shows
No woman to help in his distress.
It is pure blues - he is feeling blue and there is no relief.
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.
@slightreturn27
@slightreturn27
A lot of way over-the-top thinking on interpreting what is a simple plea in Crossroads. Yours is more cogent as most but still goes beyond what Johnson gave us to work with. I agree with the comment below "the devil is a red herring" It is not necessary to feel the emotional weight bring the singer down.
A lot of way over-the-top thinking on interpreting what is a simple plea in Crossroads. Yours is more cogent as most but still goes beyond what Johnson gave us to work with. I agree with the comment below "the devil is a red herring" It is not necessary to feel the emotional weight bring the singer down.
At a Crossroads, a metaphor for a crisis. the singer, cries for help but no help comes. Not from the Lord above (no answer comes) Not from passersby The rising sun should not go down - all nature has turned against him. He warns his friend - but Willie never shows No woman to help in his distress.
It is pure blues - he is feeling blue and there is no relief.