Cream – Deserted Cities Of The Heart

About the song

“Deserted Cities of the Heart” is a dynamic and introspective track by the legendary British rock band Cream, featured on their iconic 1968 album, Wheels of Fire. As one of the standout songs on the second disc of this ambitious double album, which combines studio and live recordings, the track exemplifies the band’s innovative approach to blending blues, rock, and psychedelia. Written by Jack Bruce and lyricist Pete Brown, this piece captures the essence of Cream’s artistic peak while providing a reflective and emotionally charged listening experience.

Background and Release

By the time Cream released “Wheels of Fire”, the band had solidified their status as one of the most influential power trios in rock history. Comprised of Eric Clapton (guitar), Jack Bruce (bass, vocals), and Ginger Baker (drums), Cream was known for their virtuosic musicianship and willingness to experiment with genre boundaries. “Deserted Cities of the Heart” stands as a testament to their creativity, featuring a complex structure that seamlessly merges intricate instrumentation with poetic, evocative lyrics.

The song was recorded during the sessions for Wheels of Fire, an album that became the first double LP to be certified Platinum. Released in August 1968, the record showcased both the studio precision and live improvisational prowess that defined Cream’s legacy. “Deserted Cities of the Heart” appears on the studio side, offering listeners a thought-provoking counterbalance to the live tracks that dominate the album’s second half.

Themes and Meaning

Lyrically, “Deserted Cities of the Heart” explores themes of loss, longing, and the inevitable passage of time. The imagery conjured by Pete Brown’s words evokes a sense of desolation and introspection, as the narrator reflects on the emotional ruins left behind in the wake of lost love or disconnection. Lines like “You know the sun don’t shine anymore” create a poignant atmosphere, one that resonates with a universal sense of melancholy and resignation.

Musically, the song features a blend of haunting melodies and intricate rhythms, driven by Jack Bruce’s emotive vocals and basslines. The acoustic guitar intro and subsequent transitions showcase Eric Clapton’s nuanced playing, weaving seamlessly with Ginger Baker’s dynamic drumming. The track’s arrangement highlights the trio’s unparalleled synergy, balancing complexity with accessibility.

Cultural and Social Impact

“Deserted Cities of the Heart” reflects the introspective mood of the late 1960s, a time when rock music began delving deeper into personal and existential themes. Its introspection mirrored the cultural shifts of the era, as artists and audiences grappled with questions of identity, purpose, and change.

Though not released as a single, the song has earned its place as a hidden gem in Cream’s catalog, revered by fans and critics alike for its depth and artistry. It also exemplifies the sophisticated songwriting that set Cream apart from their contemporaries, influencing countless musicians who sought to push the boundaries of rock.

Legacy

Even decades later, “Deserted Cities of the Heart” remains a compelling piece in Cream’s repertoire. It has been celebrated in retrospective reviews of Wheels of Fire as one of the album’s most enduring tracks. The song also demonstrates the collaborative genius of Bruce, Clapton, and Baker, capturing their ability to fuse technical skill with raw emotion.

In conclusion, “Deserted Cities of the Heart” is not just another track in Cream’s discography—it’s a deeply reflective work that captures the spirit of a transformative era in music. With its poetic lyrics, intricate arrangement, and masterful performances, it continues to resonate with listeners, proving that its emotional and artistic power is timeless.

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Lyrics

Upon this street where time has died
The golden treat you never tried
In times of old, in days gone by
If I could catch your dancing eye

It was on the way
On the road to dreams, yeah
Now my heart’s drowned in no love streams, yeah

The street is cold, its trees are gone
The story’s told, the dark has won
Once we set sail to catch a star
We had to fail, it was too far

It was on the way
On the road to dreams, yeah
Now my heart’s drowned in no love streams

I felt the wind shout like a drum
You said, “My friend, love’s end has come”
It couldn’t last, had to stop
You drained it all to the last drop

It was on the way
On the road to dreams, yeah
Now my heart’s drowned in no love streams
Now my heart’s drowned in no love streams, yeah

On this dark street, the sun is black
The winter life is coming back
On this dark street, it’s cold inside
There’s no retreat from time that’s died

It was on the way
On the road to dreams
Now my heart’s drowned in no love streams
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Now my heart’s drowned in no love streams, yeah
Now my heart’s drowned in no love