This Week's Song

This is third track of Bob Dylan's iconic Highway 61 Revisited (1965), "It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry."

New Year 2009: Bring It On Home To Me

"Bring It On Home to Me" is a 1961 soul song written and recorded by R&B singer-songwriter Sam Cooke. The song, about infidelity, was a hit for Cooke and has become a pop standard covered by numerous artists of different genres. It is one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Cooke's recorded version has Lou Rawls singing responses as an uncredited background singer.

This song is considered by many historians of soul music to be the founding, or at least definitive soul song, as it provides the formula that is still popular today

Wiki

The song itself is simple enough:

If you ever change your mind
About leavin', leavin' me behind
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me, oh yeah

You know I laughed (ha ha) when you left
But now I know I've only hurt myself
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet lovin'
Bring it on home to me.

source

Yes, it's simple. And there have been so many different versions. So many variations. So many different ways of playing and singing it. Many people have dug deed into their own understanding, their creativity, their desire to express themselves and have chosen this song. It is a truly remarkable vehicle.

It's remarkable how each of the versions is at once the same. And very, very different.

And so, as an illustration of my 2009 resolution, to continue to explore my own voice, to find my own way of expression, to expand in creativity and inventiveness, I give you for your year end inspiration, Bring It On Home To Me, Ten+ Versions:

Otis Redding and Carla Thomas:


Wilson Pickett (no embed)

Sam Cooke:


Rod Stewart and Faces:


Percy Sledge:


John Lennon:


The Animals:


Eddie Floyd:


Lou Rawls:


Brownie McGee and Sonny Terry:


Yardbirds:


Mickey Gilley:


Doubtless there are others. Many others. You're welcome to add them. Or invent your own.

May this selection inspire you to even greater clarity and creativity in 2009. Happy New Year. Feliz Ano Nuevo.