69. Bell Bottom Blues by Derek and the Dominos

"Bell Bottom Blues" by Derek and the Dominos

Written by Eric Clapton and Bobby Whitlock
Produced by Tom Dowd
Released on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (November 9, 1970)
Released as a single in January 1971
Peaked at #91 on Billboard Hot 100
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How do I continue to try to write about these songs that have defined the soundtrack to my life at a time like this? It is a question I am increasingly struggling to answer. Or rather, I am struggling to find excuses to not blow up this whole silly project. I made a commitment to myself last year to create this list, start this blog, and write about these songs. I have already given up on the idea of completing this by my birthday in July as originally intended, but I still plan on doing the writing.

These songs mean a great deal to me. Music means everything to me. Seeing videos of protesters singing Bill Withers' "Lean On Me" was another reminder of the power and beauty of music. Music can unite us, sooth us, inspire us, and strengthen us. Music can help us mourn and help us pray; it can help us find peace and help us get amped. Music can be a powerful thing.

It's possible that "Bell Bottom Blues" is just a silly love song. No one is going to sing it at a protest. Like most of the songs on Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, it was written while Eric Clapton was fighting addiction, shirking fame, and finding himself desperately in love with his best friend's wife. It's a beautiful song, and Clapton plays and sings with passion and pain. Unlike the passion and pain that has enveloped much of this country, it was a personal pain, but that does not make it any less real.

I once read that Paul McCartney was proud of the Beatles' legacy because almost all of their songs were about love. Famously, "Nowhere Man" was their first song they recorded that wasn't about love. Love songs can be incredibly powerful because love is something we all seek. We want and need love in our lives.

Ultimately, that is what is most disappointing about the news in recent weeks. The world witnessed a man murdered by the person who was tasked with protecting him. Taking another man's life like that is the antithesis of love.

All of us are seeking love and peace. Maybe not the kind of crazy passionate love that Clapton was obsessing over, but it is love. Love is the universal language. Love is the answer. Love is the royal way.

We need to figure out how to truly love one another. We need to look inside ourselves and examine who we are and what we need. We are all one. We are all human. The color of our skin, our gender, our sexual orientation, our religion: none of this really matters. Because we are all human, we all come from the same place, share the same history, share common ancestors, and live on the same planet earth. We have to find a way to live together without hating and killing each other. We have to find a way to love one another unconditionally.

While I do believe that "One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations..." I know that not everyone feels the same way. But even if you don't believe the same thing I do, we all want and are seeking peace. So no matter who is reading this, know that I do love you. I want you to be safe. I want you to find love. I want love to find you. (I also hope that that love is not married to your best friend.)

Right now, "Bell Bottom Blues" by Derek and the Dominos is (probably) my 69th favorite song of all time.