By Steve Winwood
Following the shadows of the skies,
Or are they only figments of my eyes?
And I’m feeling close to when the race is run.
Waiting in our boats to set sail.
Sea of joy.
Once the door swings open into space,
And I’m already waiting in disguise.
Is it just a thorn between my eyes?
Waiting in our boats to set sail.
Sea of joy.
Having trouble coming through,
Through this concrete blocks my view
And it’s all because of you.
Oh, is it just a thorn between my eyes?
Waiting in our boats to set sail.
Sea of joy.
Sea of joy.
Sea of joy.
Sailing free.
Sea of joy.
It's not only Clapton's electric guitar and Ginger Baker's sublime drum technique that drive this song. You also have to take into account Winwood's vocals, organ and intricate acoustic guitar (maybe a twelve string or a dobro???) and the way he plays off Rick Grech's understated bass and underrated violin playing which he brings out in the instrumental part. A lost masterwork in my opinion.
It was on 'Blind Faith, i.e. fait accompli -- as said by Eric Clapton, to let [ the cantankerous Ginger Baker - RIP Oct 2019 ] into the group to begin with.
Went round a friends house when I was 15 and 1st heard "history Of Eric Clapton" on vinyl (Never yet released on cd). On hearing this, it sent shivers down my spine and all the hairs stood to attention. The 1st ever song that did this to me.
This song made my Bose speakers smoke,HAD THE VOLUME UP TO MAXIUM OUTPUT,no song has ever done that to my speakers,I think I will get liquid cooler speakers next time I listen to this song on high volume,the song is simply outstanding!!