Eric Clapton is a legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for his smooth blues and rock sound. With a career spanning decades, he has won 18 Grammy Awards and is often regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
His hits, such as “Tears in Heaven” and “Layla,” show his remarkable talent and emotional depth. However, Clapton’s contributions to music have earned him a lasting legacy, impacting countless musicians worldwide.
About the Song
Motherless Child is a soulful variation of the traditional blues song, expressing deep sorrow and longing.
The lyrics tell the pain of growing up without a mother, connecting with listeners through their emotional depth and heartfelt delivery.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | September 13, 1994 |
| Album | From the Cradle |
| Writer | Robert Hicks |
| Producers | EEric Clapton & Russ Titelman |
Motherless Child Lyrics by Eric Clapton
If I mistreat you girl, I sure don’t mean no harm
If I mistreat you girl, I sure don’t mean no harm
Well, I’m a motherless child, I don’t know right from wrong
Please tell me pretty mama, honey where’d you stay last night?
Please tell me pretty mama, honey where’d you stay last night?
Well, you didn’t come home till the sun was shining bright
I have to go so far, girl, to get my ham bones boiled
Have to go so far, girl, to get my ham bones boiled
Well, he’s had a lot of women, going to let my ham bones burn
Well, I did more for you, girl, than your daddy ever done
Well, I did more for you, girl, than your daddy ever done
Well, I give you my jelly, he ain’t give you none
And when you see two women always running hand in hand
When you see two women always running hand in hand
You can bet your bottom dollar, one got the other one’s man
Lord, I’m going to the river, get me a tangled rocking chair
I’m going to the river, get me a tangled rocking chair
And if the blues overtake me, going to rock away from here
Similar Songs Like Motherless Child
Here are some more songs by Eric Clapton that share a similar soulful, blues-inspired feel with deep emotional themes.
- Tears in Heaven: A touching ballad about loss and the pain of losing a loved one, expressing Clapton’s personal grief.
- Layla: This is a classic rock song, full of emotion and passion, about unrequited love and longing, showing Clapton’s guitar mastery.
- Bell Bottom Blues: A heartfelt song about heartbreak and emotional sensitivity, expressing the pain of a difficult relationship.
- Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out: A Blues tune that speaks to personal struggle, loss, and the feeling of being forgotten in tough times.
Similar Artists Like Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton’s impact spans blues and rock, inspiring legendary artists who share his soulful guitar style and timeless musical legacy.
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B.B. King
Genre: Blues, Electric Blues
Top Album: Live at the Regal (1965) -
John Mayer
Genre: Blues, Rock, Pop Rock
Top Album: Continuum (2006) -
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Genre: Blues Rock, Texas Blues
Top Album: Texas Flood (1983) -
Jimmy Page
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock
Top Album: Led Zeppelin IV (1971)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Origin of Motherless Child Song?
Clapton’s “Motherless Child” is a blues adaptation of a traditional song, first recorded by Blind Willie Johnson in 1927 and later covered by many artists.
What is the Musical Style of Clapton’s Version?
Clapton’s version is a muscular, stomping blues track with strong acoustic rhythms, distinct from earlier country blues renditions.
Have Other Artists Covered Motherless Child?
Yes, it has been performed by many artists, including Bob Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, Lucinda Williams, and Jimmy Scott.
