Rory Gallagher - Bullfrog Blues

Rory Gallagher’s interpretation of “Bullfrog Blues” on the Old Grey Whistle Test (OGWT) has not been less than mind-numbing living up to such expectations. This particular version gives a non-dampened, aggressive and indeed passionate Gallagher as it was filmed in front of a live audience at the TV Theatre in Shepherds Bush which was where ‘Stairway to Heaven’ was recorded. Amazing really from the first note that’s one old master.

Rory Gallagher – Bullfrog Blues – Live on the OGWT from the TV Theatre, Shepherds Bush.

This is such an incredibly good blues-rock performance. We love Rory and his music. When he sings “give that boy a six-stringed steel guitar” with that unmistakable look in his eyes, it’s pure magic. What a fantastic, gifted, and soulful musician he was. Yet, he’s criminally underrated! Rory deserved so much more recognition than he received. He was truly one of a kind. Let’s spread the word about him and let others experience the essence of real music.

The location—a cramped TV studio—was ideal for this aspect of Gallagher’s very acoustic. There are no pretentious design of the stage or use of special effects, just Rory with his old road raged Stratocaster and a few ‘speed’ monkeys who know how to follow the lead. With such arrangements, focus is placed mainly on the music, and that is where it is meant to be.

As he has always done, Gallagher’s guitar parts are first-rate. Such slide guitar on Bullfrog Blues serves as a blues clinic for slide guitar. He has intensity how he plays the guitar that means many will never equal. Each and every note is expertly played, but still retains an element of ‘play’ that demands your attention. That is the beauty of Gallagher his technique and at the same time feeling while playing are equal.

Lyrics:
Well did you ever
Well did you ever
Well did you ever

Well did you ever
Wake up with
Them Bullfrogs on your mind?
Well did you ever wake up
With them Bullfrogs on your mind?
You had to sit there laughing
Laughing just to keep from crying

My mother got ’em
My father got ’em
My sister got ’em
My brother got
I woke up this morning, my grandmother had them too
Don’t you know about that, I got the Bullfrog blues
Bullfrog

Called up my doctor, was not feeling so well
Well I called up my doctor, was not feelin’ so well
He looked inside his bag and said ‘Well’ “Well”

You don’t need no doctor, you don’t need no pill
You don’t need no doctor, you don’t need no pill
And take my advice, it’ll surly cure your ills

Head on down to New Orleans
The prettiest place you’ve eve seen
Head on down to the river bed
That’s where the music never ends
Open your ears, don’t you feel good
Get yourself one helluva shot of rhythm ‘n’ blues

Go on down to New Orleans
The greatest place you’ve ever been
Get on down to the river bed
Dig the music of the Cajun bands
Honky tonk piano, make you feel good
Open your ears to rhythm ‘n’ blues

Well did you ever wake up
With them bullfrogs on your mind”
Well did you ever wake up
With them Bullfrogs on your mind?
You had to sit there laughin’
Laughin’ just to keep from crying.

Well did you ever wake up
With them Bullfrogs on your mind?
Well did you ever wake up
With that one woman on your mind?
You had to sit there laughin’
Laughin’ just to keep from cryin’