Robert Johnson was an influential American blues musician, singer, and songwriter who lived from 1911 to 1938. He is widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time and a seminal figure in the development of the blues genre.
Born in Mississippi, Johnson’s life and career are shrouded in mystery and legend. He recorded only 29 songs during his brief lifetime, but his innovative guitar playing and haunting vocal style left a lasting impact on the blues and rock music landscapes.
Johnson’s songs often featured themes of love, betrayal, and the supernatural, and his lyrics were filled with vivid imagery and storytelling. His recordings, including classics like “Cross Road Blues,” “Sweet Home Chicago,” and “Hellhound on My Trail,” have been covered by countless artists and have inspired generations of musicians.
Johnson’s mythic status was further cemented by the legend surrounding his supposed deal with the devil at a crossroads, trading his soul for mastery of the guitar. While the details of his life remain enigmatic, his influence on blues and popular music is undeniable, and his recordings continue to be celebrated as some of the finest examples of the genre.
1. They’re Red Hot
“They’re Red Hot” is a song by blues legend Robert Johnson, recorded in 1936. It’s a lively and upbeat track, featuring Johnson’s distinctive slide guitar playing and energetic vocals.
The song’s lyrics are playful and humorous, describing the speaker’s love for hot tamales, a popular Mexican dish. Johnson uses colorful imagery and wordplay to convey his enthusiasm for the spicy treat, singing about how they make him feel “hot like red hot.”
“They’re Red Hot” is one of Johnson’s more lighthearted songs, contrasting with some of his more somber and introspective compositions. Its infectious rhythm and catchy melody make it a favorite among fans of Johnson’s music, and it remains a popular choice for cover versions by other artists.
2. Kind Hearted Woman Blues
“Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is a blues song written and performed by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson. It was recorded in 1936 during Johnson’s first recording session in San Antonio, Texas, and released as a single the same year.
“Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is a classic example of Delta blues, characterized by its simple chord progression, rhythmic guitar playing, and Johnson’s soulful vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics depict the narrator’s longing for a kind-hearted woman who will treat him right and bring him happiness.
Robert Johnson’s recording of “Kind Hearted Woman Blues” is widely regarded as one of his signature songs and is considered a classic of the blues genre. The song’s influence can be heard in countless blues recordings and has been covered by many artists over the years, cementing its place in the canon of American music.
3. Come on in My Kitchen
“Come on in My Kitchen” is a blues song written and performed by Robert Johnson, recorded in 1936. It’s one of Johnson’s most well-known and enduring compositions, showcasing his mastery of the blues guitar and his emotive vocal delivery.
The song’s lyrics depict a scene where the narrator invites someone into their kitchen, presumably to talk or seek refuge. However, the tone of the song is bittersweet, with the narrator expressing feelings of betrayal and heartache. Lines like “The woman I love took from my best friend” and “I’ve got a world of trouble now, so babe, please don’t throw me down” suggest a sense of sadness and resignation.
“Come on in My Kitchen” features Johnson’s intricate fingerpicking guitar technique and soulful vocal performance, creating a haunting and atmospheric sound. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a classic example of the Delta blues style.
4. Ramblin’ on My Mind
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” is a blues song originally written and recorded by American blues musician Robert Johnson in 1936. It is considered one of Johnson’s seminal recordings and showcases his unique guitar playing and emotive singing style.
The song features Johnson’s signature slide guitar technique and haunting vocal delivery. Lyrically, “Ramblin’ on My Mind” reflects on the narrator’s restless nature and desire to keep moving. The repeated refrain “I got ramblin’, I got ramblin’ on my mind” captures the essence of the song’s theme of wanderlust and perpetual motion.
“Ramblin’ on My Mind” has become a classic blues standard and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Eric Clapton, who recorded a version for his “Unplugged” album in 1992. Johnson’s original recording remains a cornerstone of the blues genre and a testament to his enduring influence on music.
5. Traveling Riverside Blues
“Traveling Riverside Blues” is a blues song written and performed by Robert Johnson. It’s one of Johnson’s most famous recordings, showcasing his virtuosic guitar playing and emotive vocals.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who encounters various challenges and experiences while traveling along the riverside. He encounters a woman who catches his eye, but she seems to be involved with someone else. The narrator also reflects on his own experiences and struggles, creating a sense of longing and introspection.
“Traveling Riverside Blues” features Johnson’s distinctive slide guitar technique, with intricate fingerpicking and expressive phrasing. The song has a driving rhythm and a hypnotic groove that draws listeners in, making it a standout track in Johnson’s repertoire.
Over the years, “Traveling Riverside Blues” has been covered by numerous artists and has become a classic example of the Delta blues style. It remains a beloved and influential song in the blues genre.
6. Hellhound on My Trail
“Hell Hound on My Trail” is a blues song written and performed by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson. Recorded in 1937, it is one of Johnson’s most famous and influential songs.
The song features Johnson’s distinctive guitar playing style, characterized by his intricate fingerpicking and haunting slide guitar technique. Lyrically, “Hell Hound on My Trail” reflects themes of fear, paranoia, and the consequences of one’s actions. The narrator feels pursued by a malevolent force, symbolized by the “hell hound,” which represents the consequences of his past deeds catching up to him.
“Hell Hound on My Trail” is often interpreted as a reflection of Johnson’s troubled life and the struggles he faced. His legendary deal with the devil at the crossroads, as legend has it, adds to the song’s mystique and symbolism.
The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years and has become a classic of the blues genre. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and powerful emotional impact continue to resonate with audiences today, cementing its status as one of Robert Johnson’s most enduring and influential songs.
7. Sweet Home Chicago
“Sweet Home Chicago” is a blues standard that has been performed and recorded by many artists over the years. The most famous version is by blues legend Robert Johnson, recorded in 1936. It’s a classic example of the Delta blues style and has become one of Johnson’s signature songs.
The lyrics of “Sweet Home Chicago” express the narrator’s desire to return to Chicago, a city often associated with the blues. The song reflects the experiences of African Americans who migrated from the rural South to urban areas like Chicago during the early 20th century in search of better opportunities.
“Sweet Home Chicago” features Johnson’s distinctive slide guitar playing and soulful vocal delivery. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics have made it a favorite among blues musicians and fans alike. It has been covered by countless artists over the years and remains a beloved classic in the blues genre.
8. I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom
“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” is a blues song originally recorded by American blues musician Robert Johnson in 1936. It is one of Johnson’s most famous and enduring recordings.
The song features Johnson’s distinctive guitar playing style, characterized by his intricate fingerpicking and slide guitar technique. Lyrically, “I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” is a classic blues lament, with the narrator expressing his intention to leave his troubles behind and move on to a new chapter in his life. The phrase “dust my broom” is a metaphor for leaving a place or situation for good, similar to “packing my bags” or “hitting the road.”
“I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom” has become a standard of the blues repertoire and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Elmore James, who recorded a popular version in 1951. Johnson’s original recording remains a testament to his enduring influence on the blues genre and his status as one of its most iconic figures.
9. Love in Vain
“Love in Vain” is a blues song originally written and recorded by legendary blues musician Robert Johnson in 1937. The song is a haunting and melancholic ballad that reflects on the pain and heartache of unrequited love.
In “Love in Vain,” the narrator expresses deep sorrow and longing for a lost love who has left them behind. The lyrics vividly convey the emotional turmoil of the narrator as they come to terms with the reality of their situation. Lines such as “When the train left the station, it had two lights on behind / The blue light was my blues, and the red light was my mind” evoke a sense of desolation and despair.
Robert Johnson’s original recording of “Love in Vain” features his soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing, showcasing his unique talent for storytelling through music. The song has since become a blues standard and has been covered by numerous artists across different genres, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic in the world of blues music.
10. Cross Road Blues
“Cross Road Blues” is a blues song written and performed by Robert Johnson, recorded in 1936. It’s one of Johnson’s most famous and influential recordings, showcasing his distinctive guitar playing and emotive vocals.
The song’s lyrics depict a traveler who finds himself at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take. He’s seeking guidance and direction, lamenting his troubles and the challenges he faces. Lines like “I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride” and “I’m standing at the crossroads, babe, I believe I’m sinking down” convey a sense of desperation and uncertainty.
“Cross Road Blues” features Johnson’s iconic slide guitar technique, with intricate fingerpicking and expressive phrasing. The song has a haunting and atmospheric quality, drawing listeners in with its hypnotic rhythm and powerful imagery.
Over the years, “Cross Road Blues” has become a classic example of the Delta blues style and has been covered by numerous artists across different genres. It remains one of Robert Johnson’s most enduring and celebrated songs, leaving a lasting impact on the world of blues music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
