Cream Crossroads
A crossroads or an intersection of rural roads is one of the few landmarks in the Mississippi Delta, a flat featureless plain between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers.[16][a] It is part of the local iconography and various businesses use the name, such as gas stations, banks, and retail shops.[17] A crossroads is also where cars are more likely to slow down or stop, thus presenting the best opportunity for a hitchhiker.[18][b] In the simplest reading, Johnson describes his grief at being unable to catch a ride at an intersection before the sun sets.[20] However, many see different levels of meaning and some have attached a supernatural significance to the song.[20]
Cream Crossroads
Both versions of the song open with the protagonist kneeling at a crossroads to ask God's mercy, while the second sections tells of his failed attempts to hitch a ride.[21] In the third and fourth sections, he expresses apprehension at being stranded as darkness approaches and asks that his friend Willie Brown be advised that "I'm sinkin' down".[22] The first take of the song, which was used for the single, includes a fifth verse that is not included in the second take. In it he laments not having a "sweet woman" in his distress.[23]
The song has been used to perpetuate the myth of Johnson selling his soul to the Devil for his musical ability.[20] The lyrics do not contain any references to Satan or a Faustian bargain, but they have been interpreted as a description of the singer's fear of losing his soul to the Devil (presumably in exchange for his talent).[21] Music historians believe that Johnson's verses do not support the idea.[24][25] Delta bluesman Tommy Johnson (no relation to Robert) promoted himself as having made a deal with the Devil and Southern folklore identifies a crossroads or graveyard as the site of such a pact, which Wald identifies as likely sources of the myth.[24] However, Johnson later recorded two songs that include Satanic references: in "Hellhound on My Trail" tells of trying to stay ahead of the demon hound which is pursuing him and in "Me and the Devil Blues" he sings, "Early this mornin' when you knocked upon my door, and I said 'Hello Satan I believe it's time to go'".[26][27] These songs contribute to the Faustian myth; how much Johnson promoted the idea is debated, although many agree "the 'devil angle' made for good marketing".[28]
Crossroads is located at the traffic circle at 250 Route 81; they are open Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Crossroads features delicious hard and soft ice cream in a cute, friendly atmosphere; there are plenty of seats both in front of and behind the building, along with two corn hole boards. Stop by and give Crossroads a try; you will not be disappointed!
Four-legged family members are welcomed to accompany their owners and indulge in a pup cup, complete with a scoop of ice cream and a dog bone. Doggy water bowls are also placed around the exterior of the shop to keep canines cool.
Hi AndyThank you for your incredible lesson on Crossroads. This live version on Wheels of Fire is my all time favourite song of any artist. This song was my beginning point into blues rock. You have done best job explaining how crossroads is broken down.
This was originally recorded by the blues musician Robert Johnson in the 1930s. According to legend, Johnson went to the crossroads and made a deal with the Devil, giving up his soul in exchange for the ability to play the blues. The story originates from an interview with the blues singer Son House, who explained how Johnson went from being a terrible guitar player to a very good one in a very short period of time. Over the years, the story grew into the tale of Johnson selling his soul to the Devil. 041b061a72