Before You Accuse Me

Album: Journeyman (1989)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written and originally recorded by the rock pioneer Bo Diddley in 1957. The composer credits are listed as his real name: Ellas McDaniel. Clapton released the song as the B-side of "Bad Love," the first single from Journeyman.
  • Clapton used to perform this song in his early days with The Yardbirds. He never considered putting it on a record until guitarist Robert Cray and drummer Jim Keltner started jamming on the tune one day in the studio during the Journeyman sessions. The Cray/Clapton combo on this song make it a favorite of guitar aficionados.
  • Creedence Clearwater Revival recorded this on their Cosmo's Factory album. The song was covered by The 13th Floor Elevators, a marginally successful 1960s psychedelic band from Austin. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mason - San Antonio, TX

Comments: 6

  • Mike from Syracuse, NyI am looking at the liner notes to the "Journeyman" CD by Eric Clapton, and the writing credit for this song is listed as, "Written by E. McDaniel c 1957, 1985..." That is Ellas McDaniel, aka Bo Diddley. In 1957, Bo Diddley released his self-titled first album and this song is on side one, track 4. Once and for all Gene McDaniels DID NOT WRITE this song, Bo Diddley wrote it.
  • Nady from Adelaide, AustraliaWhen I get a cat Im gonna call it Bo Diddley:)
  • Brian from Detroit, MoThis song is CORRECTLY credited to Bo Diddley (Ellas McDaniel). A few website incorrectly credit Gene McDaniels.
  • K.p. from XEric did a video of this and several other songs in a romantic comedy where he played the leading man opposite his long time lover Debra Hunter. It was never released but present was Mary Hart of ET who ask Debra what the name of the movie will be and she said she didn't know yet. Debra also was in videos of Hounddog, Lead Me On, & Someone Like You in the movie, and Eric did Breaking Point and Cocaine, and they quoted songs all thru the movie. It was made in Arlington, Tarrant Co. Texas at Players singles bar in Jul 1984 as a birthday gift to Debra from Eric who was hanging out in Texas for a few years after she left some other state. Eric and Debra named thier first daughter Layla.
  • Mike from Hueytown , AlI love the CCR version ..Clapton does great with it too
  • Matt from Chicago, IlA great blues song. The crowd really gets into it on the Unplugged Album.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.