The Core by Eric Clapton

Album: Slowhand (1977)

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Songfacts®:

You might not remember the title of this song, but you won't forget the guitar riff, which kicks in right away and plays for the next 8 minutes and 45 seconds. The song is called "The Core," named for a line in the chorus:

Oh, you have a flame, feel it in your heart
And down at the core is the hottest part

But that repeating riff is the star of the show. When Clapton came up with it, he used it as the basis of the song.
Clapton wrote this song with Marcy Levy, who shares the lead vocal with him. Levy was one of his longtime backup singers and occasional co-writer - they also wrote "Lay Down Sally" together. Levy was one of Bob Seger's backup singers before joining Clapton in 1974. In 1988, using the name Marcella Detroit, she joined former Bananarama singer Siobhan Fahey to form Shakespear's Sister, which had a huge UK hit with "Stay."
The song is about following your passion without fear. That drive is deep inside us, so it's not always easy to access, but it's there, and it's burning hot.
The original title was "The Riff," followed by "Burning Hot Core," and finally "The Core."
"The Core" was part of Clapton's Slowhand album, known for the singles "Wonderful Tonight," "Lay Down Sally" and "Cocaine." It opens side 2 of the album.
You can hear the origins of "The Core" at the 1969 Live Peace In Toronto concert, where Clapton played a similar riff on stage with John Lennon during a performance of The Beatles song "Yer Blues."
This is a rare Eric Clapton song with horns. Mel Collins, who has also recorded with King Crimson and The Rolling Stones, played the saxophone. It was the first time Clapton used horns since his first solo album.

Comments: 22

Dave G from Pottstown,paSeen this dude many a times.Every single show was kick ass. I was born in 66. I grew up 80s era.I will never change up. I will listen to rock ‘n’ roll until I take my last breath. keep on rocking on be safe, but most importantly enjoy every second that you can in life we all have a number. God bless you all peace out
Swalabra from SomfsvilleThis tune brings me back to my 1st year of college. We played it allot on our colleges radio station. I don’t think it was ever released as a single because they wouldn’t play songs that were too long. I thought it was pisa !
Anonymous from Johnstown, Pa.Fabulous song, what is there not to like?
Nick from Utica, NyMy favorite song from the album Slowhand. I see this as a very spiritual song. That there is a fire of existence that burns inside us, and this song celebrates that and calls on us to exult in it.

Maybe this is how Eric feels about creating and performing music.
Harold Pomeroy from Winchester, NhIn winter, 1978 I worked in the sheepskin tannery. I would get up, get high, and listen to the radio. This song came on a lot. Then it was time to go to work. The song would stick with me through the day, kind of blending with all the machine noise.
Big John from Wisconsin This song goes on and on and on….way too long! Good for a while, then I just want it to get over with.
Kirk from Warren Michigan Marcy Levy sings her ass off.
Kd from Lake Wales FlShe kinda sounds like Olivia Newton John.......kinda.
AnonymousGeorge Terry soloed either in the middle break or the end.
Ken Sarnowski from Lake Oswego, Oregon Marcella Detroit on vocals. The artist formerly known as Marcy Levy. Michigan native.
John from Magnolia NjThemalbum Slow Hand was released,during the disco fad, and a lot,of non disco artists put,out at least one disco type song, and a lot,of,people think that The Core was Eric Clapton's attempt at a disco type song.
John from New JeraeyThis was the disco era, a lot of people think this was EC's turn to,do a disco song, as it does sound somewhat disco.
Dave from Weymouth Ma.Loved this one since I first heard it. An instant classic by EC.
David from Knoxville, TnIt's almost as if the session sax player and Clapton were going at it to see who could one-up the other one with RIPPING solos... Outstanding!
Harry from Philadelphia, DeThe Woman on vocals is
Marcy Levy not Yvonne Elliman
Richard from Mainz, Germanymaybe the greatest by Eric, the woman vocal is from Yvonne Elliman
Domma from Point Marion, PaI need to know who the female vocalist is. I thought when this song was released, it was by Delaney and Bonnie and friends (Bonnie Bramlett). Is this the case?
Johnny from Los Angeles, CaI really like the riff. And I love spinal tap. good song.
Sam from Shanghai, ChinaI love this song. The female vocals are great, especially as the intro is characteristic Clapton, and when she starts singing it catches you off guard. Excellent riff, great solo.
Tyler from Niagara Falls, Nythis is on of my favorite clapton songs, too.
Shell from Riverdale, GaOne of my favorite Clapton songs. Great guitar and outstanding work on the Hammond B3 organ.
Paul from Memphis, Tnwhen I was a young fellow in radio, this was the ultimate headphone testing song. To borrow from Spinal Tap, we'd turn them up to "11" and see how long they held up. If they made it through the song...they were good to go.

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