For the love of rock
Vol X, Issue 04 – Let me in (01 Aug 2025)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– Let me in
Band – Rick Derringer
Writers– Rick Derringer, Cynthia Weil
Album- Derringer
Release year– 1976
Resources– Wikipedia.org
Let me in
“Rick Derringer” is one of the most cherished rock guitarists of the seventies. Firstly, with his band “The McCoys”, and subsequently, as the guitarists partner for Johnny and Edgar Winter brothers, Rick Derringer substantiated his place among the seventies rock guitar virtuosos. Although, his catalogue of hit numbers is relatively few, his contribution to the seventies rock scenario just can’t be undermined. Despite being in various bands and collaborating with numerous varied artists, he had been continuing his musical career till late. With his recent death in 2025 May, the era of a great rock guitarist has come to an end.
Born and raised in Ohio, Derringer established his band “The McCoys” in Indiana in his teenage years in 1965. With the hit “Hang on Sloopy” to their catalogue, Derringer and the McCoys gained considerable reputation. He subsequently turned solo and had remarkable solo albums to his name during the seventies, including “All American Boy,” “Spring Fever,” “Derringer” etc.
“Derringer” is considered one of Rick’s finest albums. Released in 1976, the album had a good number of remarkable songs. However, when it comes to guitars, “Let me in” takes the prize!
“Let me in” is a rocky, crispy, and catchy wail of a young teenager. Penned by Rick and Cynthia Weil, this romantic song is a plea of the young boy to his mother’s and later to his lover’s abode. With guitar duo Rick Derringer and Danny Johnson, the song begins with a catchy riff, and takes on a high ride immediately. With Kenny Aaronson’s bass and Vinny Appice’s drums, the song is a prototype seventies rock fantasy. With constant riff, short and sharp solo, the song is definitely one of the most precious gems from Derringer’s catalogue!
Although Rick Derringer is known for his hit number “Rock and roll, Hoochie Koo” and his guitar work in Winter brother’s hits like “Free ride”, “Frakenstein”, “Still alive and well”, his solo albums demand a considerable respect from the fans. Yes, you have to let him in and indulge in this gem “Let me in”!!! Happy listening!!!
Resources- Wikipedia.org, allmusic.com
Let me in
Let me in, sweet mama
It’s your wandering boy
Knocking now on your front door
Let me in, sweet mama
It’s your bundle of joy
Coming home from his personal war
Open up, dear darling
It’s your baby out here
Begging you to forgive
Let me in, little sweetheart
Or, mama, I fear I won’t
Find me no reason to live
Ohh
I had my taste of freedom
And it tasted pretty bad
I swear it’s a jungle out there
But it sure made me realize
What a good thing I had
A good thing
They say you still care
Come on, sweet mama
Let me shout in your heart
Back where hе’s always been
And I swear there ain’t nothing
Gonna tеar us apart
Whoa, whoa, whoa
Won’t you let me in
Yeah, yeah, yeah baby, let me in
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, let me in
Yeah, yeah, yeah, honey, let me in
Lyrics – https://genius.com/Rick-derringer-let-me-in-lyrics
Video link – https://youtu.be/n7fnqGJovcg