The Band is a highly influential rock group formed in the 1960s, known for blending rock, folk, and country music styles. They gained fame for their rich harmonies and storytelling lyrics, which helped shape the sound of Americana music.
The group originally started as the backing band for Bob Dylan before achieving success on their own. Their albums, like Music from Big Pink and The Band, are considered classics.
The Band is celebrated for their powerful live performances and lasting impact on rock and roots music. Their work continues to inspire musicians across genres.
About the Song
Up on Cripple Creek is a song about a truck driver who goes to visit his girlfriend in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
The music blends country, rock, and funk, giving it a cool and catchy sound. The lyrics are light and playful, showing the driver’s love for simple things in life.
It became a favorite song for many people with the version by The Band because of its easy rhythm and joyful feel.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | September 22, 1969 |
| Album | A Musical History (2005) |
| Writer | Robbie Robertson |
| Producer | John Simon |
Up on Cripple Creek Lyrics
Verse 1
When I get off of this mountain
You know where I want to go?
Straight down the Mississippi River
To the Gulf of Mexico
To Lake Charles, Louisiana
Little Bessie, girl that I once knew
She told me just to come on by
If there’s anything she could do
Chorus
Up 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
Verse 2
Good luck had just stung me
To the race track I did go
She bet on one horse to win
And I bet on another to show
The odds were in my favor
I had ’em five to one
When that nag to win came around the track
Sure enough, she had won
Chorus
Up 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
Verse 3
I took up all of my winnings
And I gave my little Bessie half
She tore it up and threw it in my face
Just for a laugh
Now there’s one thing in the whole wide world
I sure would like to see
That’s when that little love of mine
Dips her doughnut in my tea
He-he!
Chorus
Up 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
Verse 4
Now 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”
Now that just gave my heart a throb
To the bottom of my feet
And I swore as I took another pull
My Bessie can’t be beat
Chorus
Up 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
Interlude
No-no, hu-hu
Lodl-lodl-lodl-uh-hu
No-no-hu
Lodl-lodl-lodl-uh-hu
Verse 5
Now there’s a flood out in California
And up north it’s freezing cold
And this living on the road is getting pretty old
So I guess I’ll call up my big mama
Tell her I’ll be rolling in
But you know deep down, I’m kind of tempted
To go and see my Bessie again
Chorus
Up 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
Outro
No-no, hu-hu
Lodl-lodl-lodl-uh-hu
No-no-hu
Lodl-lodl-lodl-uh-hu
No-no-hu
Lodl-lodl-lodl-uh-hu
No-no-hu
Lodl-lodl-lodl-uh-hu
Similar Songs Like Up on Cripple Creek
Check out these songs from The Band that has the same charming, story-focused, and unforgettable style as Up on Cripple Creek:
- The Weight: This song begins with a soft guitar and tells a story about a traveler meeting different people in a small town.
- Rag Mama Rag: With fun piano and fiddle sounds, this upbeat song has a happy rhythm and talks about simple joys and good times.
- Ophelia: Fast-paced and full of energy, this track is about missing someone wild and free, using bright sounds and lively horns.
- It Makes No Difference: A slower and sad song, it shares feelings of loss and heartbreak, with touching vocals and strong emotion in every line.
Similar Artists Like The Band
If you enjoy the mix of rock, folk, and storytelling in The Band’s music, these artists also offer rich songs with meaning and heart:
- Creedence Clearwater Revival
Genre: Southern Rock, Roots Rock
Top Albums: Green River (1969), Willy and the Poor Boys (1969), Cosmo’s Factory (1970) - Neil Young
Genre: Folk Rock, Country Rock
Top Albums: Harvest (1972), After the Gold Rush (1970), Rust Never Sleeps (1979) - Little Feat
Genre: Southern Rock, Funk Rock
Top Albums: Dixie Chicken (1973), Feats Don’t Fail Me Now (1974), Waiting for Columbus (1978) - The Grateful Dead
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Folk Rock
Top Albums: American Beauty (1970), Workingman’s Dead (1970), Europe ’72 (1972)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Did Up on Cripple Creek Perform on Music Charts?
It reached high positions, showing strong popularity during its release time.
Did Radio Stations Play Up on Cripple Creek a Lot?
Yes, many radio stations liked its sound and played it often.
Why is Up on Cripple Creek Often Included in Greatest Hits?
Because it represents the band’s unique style and is very popular.
