Feature Song: “Can’t Find My Way Home”
Mini Series: Part 3
When I did the first DUTC (#10) cover of Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home,” I knew It is an amazing song that deep down that I would revisit it for two very simple reasons: It is one of my all-time favorite “oldies” songs, and there are so many great covers of it in so many different genres. Haley Reinhart adds another to the long list with this live version from the Naperville RibFest in 2018.
From DUTC#10: Blind Faith were an English “supergroup” featuring Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech. The music press were eagerly anticipating what lay ahead for the group, especially because of the success of each of the member’s former bands, including Clapton and Baker’s Cream, and Windwood’s former group, Traffic. However, the band split after only a few months, producing only one album, along with a three-month long summer tour. The group started with some informal jamming by Clapton and Winwood in early 1969 following the break-ups of Traffic and Cream. Baker joined them in rehearsals, and they then decided to form a group. Grech joined as the fourth member from his band, Family. In May of that year, they began recording their eponymous debut album, which drew some controversy as the album featured a front cover photograph of a topless 11-year-old girl. When it was released in the United States, it had a different cover.
The first Blind Faith concert was on 7 June in front of an estimated 100,000 fans in Hyde Park, London, but they felt that they had not rehearsed enough and were unprepared. They had subsequent performances in Scandinavia and the United States, but because of the lack of material, they ended up playing old Cream and Traffic songs, to the delight of the crowds, but it disillusioned the band, and ultimately led to the break-up. The one album has many great tracks, but “Can’t Find My Way Home” is still their most beloved song, and according to some sources, one of the most covered songs in rock history, although I take that as just a tad hyperbolic! Having said that, the song was covered by the likes of House of Lords, Joe Cocker, Styx and John Welton, as well as being recorded in different genres, including hard rock, soul, and pop. There are also many theories as to what the song’s lyrics mean, with many saying they are about drugs, which seems plausible given the lines: “Well, I’m near the end and I just ain’t got the time / And I’m wasted, and I can’t find my way home.” Works for me, not that I would know anything about being “wasted.” Yeah, right!! It is definitely in my top ten of favorite songs from that era.
Blind Faith. “Can’t Find My Way Home.” (Original acoustic version) – 1969.
Haley Reinhart. “Can’t Find My Way Home” cover. Naperville RibFest 2018.
Los Angeles 2024
A true classic and a great choice of a song to feature. What a convergence of talent! Why do I recognize Haley Reinhart? She really does a great job on this song.
Thanks. No idea why she looks familiar to you. I agree, she does a great job with it
I looked it up she was on American Idol
I’m 100 percent with you, “Can’t Find My Way Home” is a true gem and remains one of my favorite songs written by Steve Winwood. Unfortunately, I never got to see Traffic but was fortunate to see Winwood perform the song in 2018 in New Jersey during his “Greatest Hits Live Tour”.
Haley Reinhart did a beautiful job with her cover. I like it when young artists embrace great ’60s music.
That makes two of us!
I had forgotten about this song, and it took me back to my younger years so powerfully! I liked Haley Reinhart, and also listened to a Lowell George/John Hammond/Bonnie Raitt version and Cheryl Crow and John Mayer. All good, but no one touches the original.
Yeah, the original is tough to beat.