How to play acoustic blues guitar like Robert Johnson - May 8 birthday Eric Perrotti discusses

How to play acoustic blues guitar like Robert Johnson - May 8 birthday Eric Perrotti discusses
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Robert Johnson - “Come On in My Kitchen”
Robert Johnson’s “Come On in My Kitchen” is a cornerstone of Delta blues, a haunting and intimate song that captures the raw emotion of longing and heartache. Recorded in 1936 during one of his legendary sessions in San Antonio, Texas, this track showcases Johnson's unmatched ability to convey profound emotions through both his lyrics and guitar playing.
The song tells the story of lost love, with Johnson imploring a lover to seek solace and warmth in his metaphorical kitchen. The imagery of the kitchen as a place of safety and intimacy adds depth to the song, transforming it into a poignant plea for connection. Johnson's lyrics, "The woman I love, took from my best friend / Some joker got lucky, stole her back again," reveal a deep sense of betrayal and despair.
Musically, "Come On in My Kitchen" is a masterclass in slide guitar technique. Johnson’s bottleneck slide work evokes a weeping, mournful tone, perfectly complementing the melancholy of the lyrics. His use of open tuning gives the song a rich, resonant quality, allowing his guitar to almost sing alongside his haunting voice. The subtle interplay between his vocals and guitar creates a sense of intimacy, as if Johnson is performing solely for the listener.
The song’s structure is deceptively simple but layered with nuance. Johnson’s voice rises and falls with emotion, his phrasing adding a conversational quality that draws the listener into his world. The repetition of the chorus, “You better come on in my kitchen / ‘Cause it’s going to be rainin’ outdoors,” reinforces the theme of seeking refuge and underscores the emotional weight of the piece.
“Come On in My Kitchen” has had a profound influence on blues and rock musicians alike. Artists such as Eric Clapton and Keith Richards have cited Johnson as a pivotal inspiration, and his songs have been covered and reinterpreted countless times. Yet, no rendition captures the raw, unfiltered emotion of Johnson’s original recording.
The legacy of "Come On in My Kitchen" lies in its timeless ability to connect with listeners on a deeply human level. It remains a testament to Robert Johnson’s genius and his enduring impact on the world of music.
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