Voodoo Chile
Jimi Hendrix · Electric Ladyland
Lord I'm a voodoo chile
Well, the night I was born
Lord I swear the moon turned a fire red
The night I was born
I swear the moon turned a fire red
Well my poor mother cried out "lord, the gypsy was right!"
And I seen her fell down right dead
(Have mercy)
Well, mountain lions found me there waitin'
And set me on a eagles back
Well, mountain lions found me there,
And set me on a eagles wing
(Its' the eagles wing, baby, what did I say)
He took me past to the outskirts of infinity,
And when he brought me back,
He gave me a Venus witch's ring
Hey!
And he said "Fly on, fly on"
Because I'm a voodoo chile, baby, voodoo chile
Hey!
Well, I make love to you,
And lord knows you'll feel no pain
Say, I make love to you in your sleep,
And lord knows you felt no pain
(Have mercy)
'Cause I'm a million miles away
And at the same time I'm right here in your picture frame
(Yeah! What did I say now)
'Cause I'm a voodoo chile
Lord knows I'm a voodoo chileÂ… Yeah!
(Yeah, but I say nowÂ… yeahÂ…)
Well my arrows are made of desire
From far away as Jupiters sulphur mines
Say my arrows are made of desire, desire
From far away as Jupiters sulphur mines
(Way down by the Methabe Sea, yeah)
I have a humming bird and it hums so loud,
You think you were losing your mind, hmmm...
Well I float in liquid gardens
And Arizona new red sand
(Yeah)
I float in liquid gardens
Way down in Arizona red sand
Well, I taste the honey from a flower named Blue,
Way down in California
And the New York drowns as we hold hands
'Cause I'm a voodoo chile
Lord knows I'm a voodoo chile
Yeah!
Voodoo Chile
Jimi Hendrix's 'Voodoo Chile' stands as a defining track on the psychedelic rock landscape, originally recorded for the landmark 1968 album 'Electric Ladyland'. The song exemplifies Hendrix's ability to blend electric guitar virtuosity with atmospheric textures, creating a soundscape that transcended the typical rock format of the era. Its haunting melody and complex structure were heavily influenced by the band's earlier work with The War, particularly the song 'Voodoo Child', which served as a thematic precursor. Released during a period of intense creative experimentation, the recording showcases Hendrix's mastery of feedback and reverb, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in studio production. The track remains a critical touchstone for fans of the genre, illustrating the profound impact of the late 1960s on modern music.