About the song
“As You Said” by Cream is one of the lesser-known tracks from the legendary rock trio, yet it holds a unique and captivating space within their catalog. Released in 1968 as part of the album Wheels of Fire, the song showcases a different side of the band, moving away from the loud, electric blues jams they were known for and embracing a more introspective and acoustic approach. This shift in tone highlights the versatility of Cream, allowing them to explore a range of emotions and musical styles that were not always evident in their more popular tracks like “Sunshine of Your Love” or “White Room.”
The song itself is often described as haunting and melancholic, with its intricate acoustic guitar work and soft, yet evocative, vocals by Jack Bruce. Bruce, who was the primary songwriter along with lyricist Pete Brown, brings a reflective and almost meditative quality to the performance. The use of acoustic instruments, including a rare 12-string guitar, gives the track a folk-like atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the hard-hitting sound of the rest of Wheels of Fire. This departure from the electric blues and rock fusion that defined much of Cream’s work can be seen as an experiment, a quiet rebellion against the expectations placed on the band at the height of their fame.
Lyrically, “As You Said” is thought to be about the complexities of personal freedom and the disillusionment that can come with it. The words reflect a sense of longing and frustration, possibly influenced by the societal changes of the late 1960s. Themes of alienation and introspection were common during this period, as the counterculture movement pushed against established norms and sought to redefine the concept of individual liberty. In this sense, the song’s quiet, almost resigned tone mirrors the collective mood of a generation grappling with the outcomes of its social revolutions.
Another interesting aspect of “As You Said” is how it highlights the growing tensions within the band. Cream was nearing the end of its run, with internal conflicts between Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker becoming more pronounced. The more delicate, acoustic nature of the song is thought to reflect Bruce’s growing interest in folk and jazz influences, which occasionally clashed with the harder blues-rock direction preferred by Clapton and Baker. This internal friction contributed to Cream’s decision to disband shortly after the release of Wheels of Fire, making songs like “As You Said” feel almost like a swan song for the group.
Socially, the song didn’t make the same impact as some of the band’s bigger hits, but it did resonate with fans who appreciated the depth of its lyricism and the subtle beauty of its arrangement. It stands as a testament to Cream’s willingness to take risks and step outside the boundaries of what was expected of a rock band at the time.
In retrospect, “As You Said” may not have had the commercial success of other Cream songs, but its significance lies in its quiet power and its ability to convey emotion in a stripped-back, acoustic form. It serves as a reminder that even the loudest and most groundbreaking bands can find moments of tranquility and introspection, offering listeners a more intimate glimpse into their creative process.
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Lyrics
Let’s go down to where it’s cleanTo see the time that might have been.The tides have carried off the beach.As you said,The sun is out of reach.Let’s go back to where it’s cleanTo see what year it might have been.The road have carried off the smiles.As you said,To judge them at the trial.Let’s go back to now that’s badTo see the time we migt have had.The rails have carried off the trains.As you said,I’ll never come again, again, again, again.