- Up on Cripple Creek
Infobox Single
Name = Up on Cripple Creek
Caption =
Artist =The Band
from Album = The Band
A-side =
B-side =
Released = 1970
Format =
Recorded = 1969
Genre = Rock
Length = 04:30
Label =Capitol Records
Writer =
Producer =
Certification =
Chart position = *25 ("Billboard " pop singles)
Last single =
This single =
Next single =
Misc ="Up on Cripple Creek" is the 5th song onThe Band 's eponymous second album, "The Band". It was released as a single and reached #25 on the "Billboard" pop chart. [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jpfrxq85ldfe~T31 "Billboard" chart positions from AllMusicGuide] ] The song seems to refer toCripple Creek inColorado , which has been associated withmining lore since agold rush in the 1890's. "Up on Cripple Creek" was written by Band guitarist and principal songwriterRobbie Robertson , with drummerLevon Helm singing lead vocal.A live performance of "Up on Cripple Creek" appears in The Band's live concert film "
The Last Waltz ", as well as on the accompanying soundtrack album. In addition, a live version of the song appears onBefore The Flood ; alive album of The Band's various concerts and shows withBob Dylan whilst touring together in 1974.Covers
The Oak Ridge Boys do a cover on their albumBobbie Sue .Lyrics
Drawing upon two of The Band's favorite themes, The American South and
American folk music , the song tells story of a miner who goes toLake Charles, Louisiana to stay with a local girl who he knows will put him up for free while he blows his money on drinks. Although he admits to having some feelings for his "little Bessie", he uses her hospitality to drink himself to oblivion. At the end of the song, he pushes off once more for greener pastures, although with the stated intention of coming back to his Bessie.Personnel
*
Rick Danko - Bass guitar, backing vocal
*Levon Helm - Lead vocal, drums
*Garth Hudson - Clavinet with wah-wah pedal,Lowrey organ
*Richard Manuel - Piano, backing vocal
*Robbie Robertson - Electric guitarReferences
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