Have you been hit by the cold/flu bug this season? My tried and true remedy is lemon juice and some smooth Southern Rock & Roll. If possible, add lots of vitamins, liquids and rest.
Here with the cure for what ails you is the late great Levon Helm performing Up On Cripple Creek. Accompanying him are Ringo Starr, Nils Lofgren, Clarence Clemons, Rick Danko, Dr. John, Joe Walsh, Billy Preston, and Jim Keltner.
Song lyrics and credits, below. Feel better soon!
When I get off of this mountain
I’ll tell you where I’m gonna go
I’m headed down the Mississippi River
To the Gulf of Mexico
All the way to Lake Charles Louisiana
Little Bessie, girl that I once knew
Bessie told me to come on down
If there was anything that she could doUp on Cripple Creek, she sends me
If I spring a leak, she mends me
I don’t have to speak, as she defends me
A drunkard’s dream if I ever did see oneGood luck had just stung me
So to the race track I did go
You know, I bet on one horse to win
And Bessie bet on another to show
The odds were in my favor
I got ’em five to one
When them horses ran ’round the track
Me and sweet Bessie had wonUp on Cripple Creek, she sends me
If I spring a leak, she mends me
I don’t have to speak, as she defends me
A drunkard’s dream if I ever did see oneI took up all of my winnins
And I gave my little Bessie half
But she tore it up and threw it in my face
Just for a laugh
Now that just gave my heart a throb
To the bottoms of my feet
And I swore as I took another pull
My Bessie can’t be beatUp on Cripple Creek, she sends me
If I spring a leak, she mends me
I don’t have to speak, as she defends me
A drunkard’s dream if I ever did see oneAnd 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”
There’s one thing in the whole wide world
That I sure do love to see
That little sweet honey of mine
Dippin’ her doughnut in my teaUp on Cripple Creek, she sends me
If I spring a leak, she mends me
I don’t have to speak, as she defends me
A drunkard’s dream if I ever did see oneWell, there’s a flood out in California
You know, up North it’s freezing cold
And this livin’ out here on the road
Is gettin’ kinda old
So I guess I’ll call up my big mama
Tell her I’ll be rollin’ in
But you know, deep down
I’m sorta tempted
To go and see my Bessie againUp 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
_____
[“Up On Cripple Creek,” by The Band. Written by: Robbie Robertson. Original release: The Band, 1969.]
The Band (Up On Cripple Creek, 1969): Rick Danko (bass, backing vocals); Levon Helm (lead vocals, drums); Garth Hudson (clavinet, organ); Richard Manuel (piano, backing vocals); Robbie Robertson (guitar).
Video posted to youtube by user ringostarr
Needed some Levon today. Haven’t had my daily dose yet.
“Smooth Southern Rock & Roll”.
Yup.
Courtesy of four Canadians and a Razorback.
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Hi, Prodigal Orphan!
Yes, a dose of Levon a day will keep the doctor away! “Rag Mama Rag” is an excellent selection — thank you for the clip. “This film should be played LOUD” made me smile. So true!
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Love The Band.
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Me too! Nobody like them before or since.
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This was a fantastic post, Danica! I enjoy listening to music and this song is part of what they call my ‘wheel house.’ It is part of my being, captures my soul and brings back memories. Love is all that mending, caring and tending. I like the old fashioned words they chose, too. smiles!
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Hi Robin!
I’m delighted to know this! How wonderful that this song is part of your wheel house and tells the story of You. Thank you for sharing and for making me smile 🙂
Oh, I’m also very happy that you liked this post!
Danica
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Yeah, agreed that The Band truly can heal – I love their music. Here’s another great version of this song, from 1969:
Levon Helm – Up On Cripple Creek – Circa 1969
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Fantastic version — thank you for including it! There’s something very special about The Band and I love their music too. Thanks also for stopping by, Ovidiu, it’s very nice to see you :).
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Hi Danica. You probably already heard it but, if not, The Last Waltz version is definitive, for me. A lot of energy in Levon’s vocal. He really belts it out.
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Hi Kevin. Yes, I can see how that version would be a definitive one. The Last Waltz is a gold standard in many ways. I should find myself a copy. Can you believe I don’t have one?
I like this particular rendition for its impromptu feel, as well as being a later performance.
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Oh, my. Danica, get your hands on a copy of The Last Waltz. It is good for the soul.
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I haven’t seen it in a while and you’ve got me thinking I should remedy that situation….
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