About the song
“Born Under a Bad Sign” is a classic blues song that became synonymous with Cream‘s signature sound, even though the track was originally written and recorded by William Bell and Booker T. Jones in 1967. The song was famously covered by Cream on their 1968 album Wheels of Fire, with Eric Clapton’s unmistakable guitar riffs and Jack Bruce’s soulful vocals creating a version that would endure as one of the most iconic in blues rock history.
The song’s lyrics, “Born under a bad sign, I’ve been down since I began to crawl,” are steeped in the traditional blues narrative of hardship and fate. It speaks to a life of misfortune, where the protagonist feels doomed from the very start, but despite the heavy, negative connotations of the lyrics, there’s a sense of defiance and strength in the delivery. The song captures the essence of blues, a genre defined by its ability to turn personal suffering into an emotionally powerful and universal story.
In Cream’s version, the collaboration between the band’s legendary musicians – Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker – shines. Clapton’s guitar work is especially noteworthy, with his sharp, biting solos and vibrant improvisation driving the track’s intensity. Bruce’s bass adds a solid foundation to the song, while Baker’s drumming brings an infectious groove that propels the entire performance. The fusion of blues, jazz, and rock elements creates a dynamic arrangement that was groundbreaking for its time.
The influence of “Born Under a Bad Sign” on both blues and rock music is undeniable. Cream’s interpretation was instrumental in bringing blues into the mainstream, contributing to the rise of the British blues movement and inspiring countless musicians who followed. Clapton, already a rising star in the world of rock guitar, showcased his technical prowess while maintaining the emotional depth that is essential to the blues.
For many fans, “Born Under a Bad Sign” epitomizes the power of the blues to capture the human experience in all its vulnerability, resilience, and pain. With its combination of poignant lyrics, impeccable musicianship, and raw emotional intensity, this song has remained a key part of Cream’s legacy, solidifying their place as one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s and beyond.
Video
Lyrics
Born under a bad signI’ve been down since I began to crawlIf it wasn’t for bad luckI wouldn’t have no luck at allBad luck and trouble’s my only friendI’ve been down ever since I was tenBorn under a bad signI’ve been down since I began to crawlIf it wasn’t for bad luckI wouldn’t have no luck at allYou know, wine and women, it’s all I craveA big bad woman’s gonna carry me to my graveBorn under a bad signI’ve been down since I began to crawlIf it wasn’t for bad luckI wouldn’t have no luck at allBad luck and trouble’s been my only friendI’ve been down ever since I was tenBorn under a bad signI’ve been down since I began to crawlIf it wasn’t for bad luckI wouldn’t have no luckIf it wasn’t for real bad luckI wouldn’t have no luck at allBorn under a bad signBorn under a bad sign