About the song
The collaboration between Carl Perkins, Eric Clapton, and Johnny Cash on the song “Matchbox” is a remarkable meeting of legendary musicians who each left an indelible mark on the world of music. “Matchbox” is a classic rockabilly tune that was originally written and recorded by Carl Perkins in 1956. Perkins, often referred to as one of the founding fathers of rock and roll, created a song that blended elements of country, blues, and rockabilly into a driving, energetic number that has since become a staple of the genre.
Carl Perkins first gained fame with his hit “Blue Suede Shoes,” but “Matchbox” further solidified his place in music history. The song itself is rooted in the blues, borrowing its lyrical theme from an old blues song by Blind Lemon Jefferson. Perkins’ version brought a rockabilly flair to the bluesy lyrics, creating a sound that was fresh and exciting in the mid-1950s. The song has a simple but catchy structure, with lyrics that express a sense of restlessness and longing, themes that resonate with the core of early rock and roll.
When Eric Clapton, one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, and Johnny Cash, the iconic country music legend, joined Perkins to perform “Matchbox,” the result was a powerful blend of styles and talents. Clapton’s bluesy guitar riffs and Cash’s deep, resonant voice added new dimensions to the song, creating a version that paid homage to its rockabilly roots while also highlighting the versatility of the artists involved.
This collaboration took place during a time when each of these musicians was already well-established in their respective genres. Johnny Cash, known as “The Man in Black,” had a career spanning decades, with hits that crossed over from country to the mainstream. His collaboration with Perkins was a natural fit, as both artists shared a deep appreciation for the blend of country and rock and roll that defined much of their early work. Eric Clapton, whose career included stints with iconic bands like Cream and Derek and the Dominos, brought a rock and blues sensibility to the mix, further enhancing the song’s appeal.
The performance of “Matchbox” by these three legends is a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll and the way it can bring together musicians from different backgrounds to create something truly special. The song’s legacy is not just in its original recording but also in the way it has been interpreted and reimagined by artists over the years. For older and educated audiences, this collaboration serves as a reminder of the golden era of rockabilly and the way it influenced the broader landscape of popular music.
In conclusion, “Matchbox” is more than just a song; it is a piece of musical history that bridges the gap between rock, country, and blues. The collaboration between Carl Perkins, Eric Clapton, and Johnny Cash on this track showcases the timeless quality of the song and the enduring talent of the artists who brought it to life. It stands as a celebration of the roots of rock and roll and the powerful connections that music can forge between artists and listeners alike.
Video
Lyrics
Ladies and gentlemen would you please welcome Ringo Starr, and her Starr band
I’m sitting here wondering
Matchbox hold my clothes
Yeah, I’m sitting here wondering
Matchbox hold my clothes
I ain’t got no matches
But I got a long way to go
I’m an ol’ poor boy and a long way from home
I’m an ol’ poor boy and a long way from home
I’ll never be happy ’cause everything I’ve ever did was wrong
Well, if you don’t want my peaches honey
Don’t mess around my tree
If you don’t want my peaches honey
Don’t mess around my tree
I got news for you baby
Leave me here in misery, but never talk
Uhh-uh
Uhh-uh
Uhh-uh
Uhh-uh
Well, let me be your little dog
‘Til your big dog comes
Let me be your little dog
‘Til your big dog come
When the big dog gets here
Show him what this little puppy done-done, done all best
Well, I’m sitting here wondering
Matchbox hold my clothes
Yeah, I’m sitting here wondering
Matchbox hold my clothes
I ain’t got no matches
Got a long way to go, uh!
Thank you, thank you
Yeah, I love it this degree
I do, I love it here