Drifters Wife
J.J. Cale · Other Songs - J.J. Cale
Boy she used to love me
Free fever got me and I had to go
I never seen that woman no more
New york city is a place I been
I was there one time with a travellin' band
Young girl there wanted me to stay
I think she wanted me to pay
Roll it out, roll it in
Here we go down the road again
Drifters life is a drifters wife
Don't say I didn't tell you so
Travellin' man now he don't know
Only what he hears on the radio
Politics and money don't bother him
Only good lookin' women and a bottle of gin
Portland, oregon, to the mexican line
Boy let me tell you the women are fine
If you don't hang around there very long
They'll never ever know you're gone
Drifters Wife
J.J. Cale's "Drifters Wife" stands as a quintessential example of his signature blend of bluesy roots and melodic pop sensibility. Recorded during the early 1970s, the track exemplifies Cale's ability to craft songs with a haunting, atmospheric quality that often defies traditional genre categorization. The composition features his characteristic vocal delivery, characterized by a conversational yet emotive tone, layered over a rhythmic guitar foundation that drives the song forward with understated power. As part of his broader discography from this era, the piece reflects the influence of American folk and blues traditions while maintaining a distinct, polished production style that would become a hallmark of his career. The song remains a testament to Cale's skill in creating music that resonates deeply through simple, evocative instrumentation and lyrical themes.