Song Information:
“Politician” is a blues rock song by the legendary British band Cream, released in 1968 on their final studio album, Wheels of Fire. The track was co-written by Jack Bruce (bass, vocals) and Pete Brown (lyricist). It was recorded live in the studio and became one of the band’s signature extended blues jams during their live performances.
“Politician” was produced by Felix Pappalardi and stands out for its slow, heavy groove, expressive vocal delivery by Bruce, and Eric Clapton’s restrained yet potent guitar work. The song showcases Cream’s blend of traditional blues structure with the countercultural irony and skepticism of the late 1960s. Clocking in at just over 4 minutes in the studio version, it often stretched beyond 10 minutes in live shows.
Song Meaning and Content
“Politician” is a tongue-in-cheek, cynical track that uses the persona of a sleazy political figure to satirize both politics and personal relationships. The speaker—cast as a corrupt and opportunistic politician—boasts of his manipulative charm, promising to “kiss your baby” and “shake your hand” while ultimately pursuing selfish desires. In this context, the “baby” is likely not a child, but a metaphor for women, which adds a sleazy undertone.
Lines like “I support the left, though I’m leaning to the right” play with political ambiguity, hinting at the duplicity and lack of genuine conviction in politicians. Jack Bruce’s delivery is laid-back yet menacing, while Clapton’s guitar licks respond with bluesy sarcasm.
Musically, the song is rooted in slow, heavy blues—almost hypnotic in rhythm. Ginger Baker’s drumming is controlled and minimal, giving space for the vocals and guitar to carry the satire. It’s a standout example of how Cream could mix deep blues traditions with the biting commentary of 1960s rock.
Deeper Interpretation – Political Satire or Personal Metaphor?
At first glance, “Politician” seems like a straightforward political parody. But a closer listen suggests something deeper—and darker. The song is not just about literal politicians, but about the concept of manipulation itself. Whether in politics or love, the narrator is someone who promises everything but means nothing.
By adopting the voice of a greasy campaigner who flatters and lies to gain trust, Pete Brown and Jack Bruce expose how easily words can be used as tools of deceit. The line “I’ve got two good friends with the two good hands” feels almost mocking—as if shaking hands is just a performance, not a gesture of sincerity.
Furthermore, the song’s blues foundation adds layers of meaning. Blues has long been a genre for telling hard truths—about suffering, betrayal, and social hypocrisy. Cream uses it here not just musically, but thematically, embedding criticism of moral ambiguity, power hunger, and false sincerity.
In the late 1960s, amid Vietnam protests and government distrust, “Politician” resonated as both timely and timeless. Today, it still rings true—whether you hear it as political commentary or a warning against charm without conscience.
🎵 Watch the Song Performance:
Lyrics:
Hey now baby, get into my big black car
Hey now baby, get into my big black car
I wanna just show you what my politics are.
I’m a political man and I practice what I preach
I’m a political man and I practice what I preach
So don’t deny me baby, not while you’re in my reach.
I support the left, tho’ I’m leanin’, leanin’ to the right
I support the left, tho’ I’m leanin’ to the right
But I’m just not there when it’s coming to a fight.
Hey now baby, get into my big black car
Hey now baby, get into my big black car
I wanna just show you what my politics are.
Hey, hey now baby, get into my big black car
Hey now baby, get into my big black car
I wanna just show you what my politics are.
I support the left, tho’ I’m leanin’to the right
I support the left, tho’ I’m leanin’ to the right
But I’m just not there when, when it’s coming to a fight.
Political man and I practice what I preach
Political man and I practice what I preach
But I’m just not there, when you’re in my reach.
Hey now baby, get into my big black car
Hey now baby, get into my big black car
I wanna just show you what my politics are.
Hey, hey, hey
I wanna just show you what my politics are.