For For the love of rock
Vol VI, Issue 3 – Dark eyed woman (01 Mar 2021)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– Dark eyed woman
Band – Spirit
Writers– Randy California & Jay Ferguson
Release year– 1969
Album – Clear
Dark eyed woman
“Spirit” – The late sixties band which became more famous for their lawsuit against Led Zeppelin for copying their instrumental “Taurus” in “Stairway to heaven”, actually deserve much more than that. A highly regarded rock band, with mix of jazz, folk, pop, art rock, progressive rock as well as psychedelic rock, have been an inspiration for many artists in the ensuing decades.
They have an intriguing history. Initiated in 1967 by Randy California (Guitars, vocals) and his stepfather Ed Cassidy (Drums), Randy was actually offered by then unknown Jimi Hendrix to follow him to England. However, Randy stayed back and formed “Spirit” with Mark Andes (Bass) and Jay Ferguson (Vocals, percussion). With charting albums in the late sixties and seventies, their most well known numbers include “Taurus”, “1984”, “I got a line on you”, “Fresh garbage” etc. The band continued to survive albeit with much difficulty and not so successful career. Except for their founding members, the band members kept on changing in the following decades and ultimately, the band ceased with the demise of Randy California and Ed Cassidy. However, new materials kept on surfacing till late.
“Clear” is their third album released in 1969 which is considered less powerful than their first two albums. This album was actually produced hastily under pressure and could not achieve the status of their previous albums, but the album did have some interesting materials.
“Dark eyed woman” is one of the highlights of the album. Written by California and Ferguson, this song is the prototype of a classic sixties rock band signature song. Catchy, simple, lucidly warm lyrics soaked in magical electric rhythm guitar and mesmerizing solo, this song definitely leaves a mark upon the rock fan’s heart and soul. Beginning with the raunchy, undefeatable riff, the song paces with the pounding drums and vocals. The melodiously squeaky guitar solo pronounces out why Jimi Hendrix wanted Randy California to join his band!
Yes, “Spirit” is more known to the world for their instrumental “Taurus”, but when it comes to their songs, “Dark eyed woman” is the one which opens the rock fan’s eyes forever! Happy listening!!! Resources- Wikipedia.org, allmusic.com
Dark eyed woman
Dark-eyed woman on a hot summer’s night
Dark-eyed woman, are you burning tonight?
Dark-eyed woman, won’t you step in the light?
And tell me dark-eyed woman, are you burning tonight?
Tonight
Dark-eyed woman, it’s a quarter to four
I hear your voice like a child at my door
Dark-eyed woman, I could love you once more
But dark-eyed woman, we’ve both been there before
Before
Dark-eyed woman on a hot summer’s night
Dark-eyed woman, are you burning tonight?
Dark-eyed woman, won’t you step in the light?
And tell me dark-eyed woman, are you burning tonight?
Tonight
Lyrics link – https://genius.com/Spirit-dark-eyed-woman-lyrics
Video link- https://youtu.be/Uw2b31rYvTo
Video link- https://youtu.be/Uw2b31rYvTo