Ten Years After - I Can't Keep From Crying

The Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 showcased some of the most legendary performances in rock history, and Ten Years After’s rendition of “I Can’t Keep From Crying” is a shining example. This is absolutely awesome! Probably the most underrated blues-rock band, they were consistently brilliant and deserve much greater recognition.

Ten Years After – I Can’t Keep From Crying – Live at Isle of Wight Festival, 1970.

As the band took the stage, Alvin Lee’s electrifying guitar riffs set the atmosphere. His ability to fuse blues and rock created a sound that was distinctly Ten Years After, captivating the audience from the very first note. Lee’s solos were a display of virtuosity, seamlessly blending technical skill with raw emotion, and transporting the crowd into a frenzied musical journey.

“I Can’t Keep From Crying” is a poignant blues-rock song that has been interpreted by various artists over the years, each adding their unique touch to its haunting melody and evocative lyrics. Originally penned by blues musician Al Kooper, the song has a rich history that reflects the enduring appeal of blues music and its ability to convey deep emotion and resilience.

Al Kooper, a renowned songwriter and musician known for his work with The Blues Project and Blood, Sweat & Tears, first recorded “I Can’t Keep From Crying Sometimes” in the mid-1960s. The song’s raw emotion and soulful delivery quickly made it a staple in the blues and rock repertoire, capturing the hearts of listeners with its plaintive lyrics and compelling melody.

“I Can’t Keep From Crying” is built around a simple yet emotionally charged chord progression that serves as a perfect backdrop for the song’s lyrical content. The lyrics, which speak of sorrow and unending grief, resonate with listeners through their universal themes of heartache and perseverance. The song’s repetitive structure and minor key further enhance its melancholic atmosphere, drawing the listener into its introspective world.

Ten Years After’s interpretation of the song is marked by its blend of blues and rock elements, featuring driving rhythms, intricate guitar work, and passionate vocals. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between soulful blues and high-energy rock is a testament to their versatility and skill.

Lyrics:
I can’t keep from crying sometimes
I can’t keep from crying sometimes
Oh momma she’s dead and gone
And I know I’m all alone
I can’t keep from crying sometimes
Early in the morning
About the break of day
I fall down on my knees
I fall down and I pray
I think about my woman
My woman who’s long gone
I can’t keep from crying sometimes
I can’t keep from crying sometimes
Oh momma she’s dead and gone
And I know I’m all alone
I can’t keep from crying sometimes
Later in the evening
I watch the sun go down
I think about my woman
But my woman Lord she ain’t around
My heart is filled with sadness
And my eyes are filled with tears
I can’t keep from crying sometimes
I can’t keep from crying sometimes
Oh momma she’s dead and gone
And I know I’m all alone
I can’t keep from crying sometimes