Cream - White Room | The story behind the song | Top 2000 a gogo

Songwriter and poet Pete Brown tells the story behind the song 'White Room' by Cream. A short documentary by Top 2000 a gogo from 2018 (Dutch Public Television).

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

“Silver horses run down moonbeams in her dark eyes...” One of the greatest lyrical phrases of all time!!!

[@robertterrell3065]

White Room has been one of my all time favorite songs since I first heard it way, way back when. 1969 or 70? I can't quite remember anymore. It's great to get the background story now. I never thought I'd be loving & appreciating it even more 50 years later🤔😍

[@bennyzuccarello1068]

up there with 'Let them brush your Rock N Roll hair'

[@Evil-Jesus]

Scream of the butterfly

[@pooroldgreyhaireddaddy]

My wife is 44 and loves Cream They transcend all time.

[@TheCymbalProject]

There is a reason why we still talk about songs like this 50 years on... they're truly great songs.

[@johngallaghermusic9777]

I was surprised at how good Pete Brown sounded singing this song . And 50 years on and the song still sounds as good as the day it was released.

[@bamboosa]

I've been playing Cream bits for 51 years and seeing Pete Brown sing his own words makes me weep.

[@damianwhite9058]

There is nothing wrong with your voice Mr. Brown....you are amazing

[@stevelofts8135]

Jack Bruce had THE voice of that period!

[@magnusbruce4051]

Imagine going to a pub and hearing some random band play "a cover of White Room" only to realise that the guy singing wrote it. I wonder how many people in the clip knew who Pete Brown is!

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

Kinda hard to say; European people tend to take music and musicians very seriously, and they will recognize and speak to musicians who are famous or that they like. I admire this, and I loved seeing him singing at the end; the people who were there were probably thrilled, and bragged to their friends that they saw and heard Pete sing it, and didn't have to pay a lot for tickets, or have a wasted teenager vomit on them. A lot of the rock concert experience can be overrated. Fortune passes everywhere.

[@kevmac1230]

@@DavidSmith-ss1cg l find it a bit pathetic.

[@Ndlanding]

@@kevmac1230 I thought he sang it rather well, actually!

[@stevestringham1095]

@@Ndlanding it would have been a blast to be at that pup i think. lots of drunk English birds. not to mention the fresh fish and chips. good times.

[@toddinthemiddle]

@@Ndlanding even if the guy were younger, i think that he sounded great. to be 77 and have that much power in one's voice? amazing!

[@TheEleatic]

My three favourite songs: Sunshine of Your Love, White Room, Tales of Brave Ulysses. Coincidence? I need more wah wah. Pure magic.

[@josefhanyka326]

Yesssss

[@mantroid]

To me, White Room has a slow build until Clapton's wah comes in to lay down a heaviness that blows my mind! He progressively ratchets up the intensity until the all-out assault in the final stanza. Everything works here, not surprised to find there was extra talent in for songwriting help with their greatest stuff.

[@Ndlanding]

Wah-wah in Sunshine? Where?

[@bundiniy]

"Deserted Cities of the Heart" live

[@timothyparsons8327]

White Room...my all time favourite Cream song ,first heard it played on our record player at boarding school in 1969 (Cream had already split by then but our dorm prefect was a fan and Spoonful was HIS favourite!) I loved W.R. Especially the AAHs over the 5/4 time, and the mention of trains! This video had a nice twist at the end, seeing Pete singing. If I hadn’t seen the person singing initially I would have guessed at Jack!

[@jimlaguardia8185]

51 years after the fact, I finally hear and see Peter Brown.

[@stevenw7623]

One of the greatest tragedies in Rock n’ Roll was that Cream couldn’t hold it together for another 5 albums. Shoulda been a top 5 all-timer.

[@slimjimm8]

Jack Bruce has such a powerful voice on top of being an elite bass player

[@tomcoryell]

Thanks for saying what I would say!

[@judyblueyes1275]

@@tomcoryell Yes me too!! Jack's voice was/is so versatile that I honestly haven't heard another who can mimick it...he could sing rock,blues,soft love songs,and opera!! I'm not an opera fan but he could sing ANYTHING and his voice never gave out until he fell ill...God Bless him🙏His music and soul will live on forever in his songs🎶✌️

[@ewaldewald9556]

This song is my ring-tone for the last 10 years...I will never change this again….Greatest song from Cream. Jack Bruce R.I.P. !!

[@TheSlandis]

Great story. I started playing guitar and bass 8 years ago and I'm now 57. The joy playing in a band brings me is really indescribable. So I relate to Pete performing at 77 and having a great time! We just added White Room to our set and I am grateful to know what it is about. I play bass on this one and it's a blast to play.Thank you!

[@TheSlandis]

@Arty Bookworm You can do it. Just know it takes time and effort. I'd suggest taking lessons every week.

[@jasonkane6156]

If you like playing this, add "Badge" to your list. have a great time.

[@mattmcclain829]

I was glad to read your comment. Although I jammed with people in my 20's, I never really gigged until I started a band in my late 40's. I want to add this tune. Here is "Let it Rain" from our first gig. I hope you enjoy it, and KEEP ON ROCKIN! 🎸 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5mvhZuNrpt4g7M

[@carlosclaptrix]

My favorite Cream song. Such an epic 5/4 intro painting an archetype of fate, then this driving riff and these dreamlike lyrics...

[@sheronlyn2693]

Fascinating to hear the stories behind these great songs and lyrics of our Era.

[@bobsbarnworkshop]

Thanks for writing White Room, one of the greatest classic rock songs of all time, been a favorite of mine since I first heard it back in 68!!! I hope you don’t mind that I play it in my shows!!! We have to keep these great songs alive and in the ears of new fans!!!

[@drlecter8145]

THE GREATEST BAND TO STORM THE STAGE...

[@fernandogarajalde4066]

I hope when I turn 77 I can find the conviction that Pete Brown has in this song.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

Always found that song mystical and beautiful since I was very young.

[@soundNTechdude2022]

I have very fond memories of this song. When I was in Junior High we had to pick a song that had poetry in it and I chose this one. It was a challenge to get the lyrics off of the 45, but well worth it!

[@g2macs]

Restless Diesels and tired starlings ........ just sublime.

[@kilgoringtroutless6295]

Thanks, I think he has a great voice and more than does justice to his co-creation. I would go see him.

[@lylewilliams1371]

THANK YOU! I love this song! R.I.P., Ginger!!!

[@Dogdrum]

Clapton and Jack were brilliant on this song, but what Ginger played to underpin the song is genius stuff...This also has, to me, Pete Brown's best lyric.

[@lisainthestudio]

I play frantic air drums whenever this song comes on, Ginger Baker is a madman or a machine, the drums elevate this song to another level

[@paulcadogan7033]

Pete is a fine poet and, as I just found out, a fine singer as well. Pete and Jack Bruce were a wonderful team.

[@debbiemoore2747]

Only recently got in to Cream. Think as I have aged my ear has matured to appreciate it more.

[@THEScottCampbell]

He does a great job singing "White Room"! He really sounds like Jack Bruce, who was GREAT!

[@kevinpatrickmacnutt]

Brown released about five albums with the Battered Ornaments and Piblokto in the early 1970s that were pretty amazing.

[@markr.devereux2713]

No CREAM without sir JACK

[@anauticalgate5496]

Pete's doing a fine job ,because of two things- he "lived" the poem, AND he is staying within his vocal range.

[@bill9989]

Where are these outside scenes? It looks like a mini Capetown.

[@MoosesValley]

One of my all time favorite songs. Music. Lyrics. Singing. Sound. Style. All brilliant.

[@robsaxepga]

I think this song works because it's from a particular time indeed... A truly magical time in music.

[@ronfrey5327]

I love this tune so glad to see the man who wrote it for us all..

[@kokolanza7543]

How good to see Pete Brown, the guy who wrote the lyrics to most of Cream's greatest songs. Thank you for posting this video!

[@G0K3001]

So glad I clicked on this...very very good,one of those songs where you remember the words and yes a bit of a mystery to it. Keep on jamming Peter-

[@AliG-xh1jm]

Just still...freaking AWESOME!!!

[@bobdudy7177]

As a Big Cream Fan from the 60's I remember memorizing every inch of the Albums and wondering who Peter Brown was. Thank you! Marvelous Poet and Song's! If you only knew how many times in 53 year's I've played those, not to mention the hours just trying to learn them- well worth every Second!

[@judyblueyes1275]

Pete Brown is such a song writing KING!!! 👑I just absolutely fell head over heels in L💖VE with cream and Pete Brown,and the whole entire story that evolved around that wonderful magical musical era that will never be again...It truly is like a fairytale that I never really knew existed until I came across the 1968 farewell concert from The Royal Albert Hall...I watched it multiple times and researched everything I could on the band...Of course I knew of Cream,had heard the radio versions of their songs,but this was magical!! Live Cream music takes me away to places that I never knew were possible...thanks Pete for being such a huge part of this musical magic!! 💜☮️💜

[@steveevans424]

AWESOME Background info on one of the all time great 60's songs...cheers

[@ClissaT]

I heard this song when the record was first released in Australia when I was in grade 9. They were such a controversial band back then with swearing on one of their albums! 😱 But in general Cream opened me up to the world and changed me forever, from the shy rural girl. This song still gets me in the pit of my stomach. Its the downward cords.

[@petermiller739]

I am sure you are right, but can you please tell me which Cream album has any swearing on it? I have all of them, and I can't think of any. Do, please, let me know.

[@Glenrsi]

Probably the tightest drumbeat of any song i have ever heard. Doubt any drummer can play White Room drumbeat anywhere close to Ginger Baker. He was one of the best ever.

[@agentbillstoll6235]

Can't believe the tempo or what have you for Born Under A Bad Sign or Strange Brew. Just mesmerizing.

[@daddyosink4413]

I am 44 and battled drug addiction and alcoholism for over 3 deacades... this song always resonated with me, and I never knew why. It makes sense now.

[@artrobledo5042]

Great song!!! I always liked this song..

[@gordonsmith33]

Absolutely amazing song . Gives me chills every time I hear it.

[@mozdickson]

Legend. Nice one Pete, thanks for telling it.

[@jasonmccool4342]

I love this guy's voice!

[@distilledyougamecast3569]

I always loved the way he sings it. It's what makes it so good.

[@chrisbradshaw159]

Excellent! Next Pete Brown gig please.

[@TheDickeroo]

Pete Brown is the Cream of Creativity. His lyrics illustrate amazing visuals. I salute you, Pete Brown.

[@vincentm614]

I never had any idea what the lyrics to "White Room" meant and it took me years to even appreciate Creams music but now I simply love this song. It has really grown on me as one of my favorite songs from the 60s. I love Ginger Bakers bolero style drumming and the beginning, Clapton wah wah guitar solo and rhythm playing and Bruce's tortured singing and the way his bass bounces around especially when he does those minor key runs towards the end of every verse line.

[@randallwhite536]

He doesn't say what it means to him. What does it mean to you?

[@vincentm614]

@@randallwhite536 My guess is this is a song with several dark metaphors of a relationship that has gone horribly sour

[@chicluvr69]

Its clearly about Drug use and abuse.......

[@vincentm614]

@@chicluvr69 you may very well be correct.

[@chicluvr69]

Drug abuse is a relationship, that most of the time does sour eventually. So we are both right basically. Lol.........

[@tomyanno972]

Thank you, never knew much about Peter Brown before this. His collaboration with Jack Bruce was top-notch. Songs For A Tailor is IMHO one of the 20 best albums in rock history. Thank you, thank you!!!

[@mfb3042]

Glad I saw this. Like mantras for 50 years now.

[@juststardust8103]

Wow! Best episode!

[@jjzuc]

"I live in this place where the shadows run from themselves." Must have been some good acid!

[@stevestringham1095]

yeah he said he wrote the song about the time he was getting clean.

[@jerryshunk7152]

Deserted Cities has, imho, one of the truly GREAT lines of.poetry ever ! " Now my heart drowns in no love stream !"

[@Gkuljian]

When I was a boy scout, this group was so popular we had a patrol called Cream. They had a milk bottle badge made that they wore on their sleeve.

[@thetreblerebel]

Influential music, still inspiring younger musicians to play and create. The term for Cream is ICONIC!!

[@kdee8166]

One of the greatest rock tracks ever for me. Clapton's lead beak still blows me away every time.

[@robertwrightson6455]

Wonderful lyrics that have stayed with me since I was a kid.

[@Wardell43]

Finally a face to go with the man.

[@craigsheppard1065]

Favorite

[@vladimirvlek]

Awesome content, thanks for uploading!

[@kitano0]

Great footage of the band...EC playing a Firebird...oh yeah! Pete sounded pretty damn good, too!

[@DarcieGlam]

I love that he took control of his life and had an amazing outcome.

[@jimmyjameson8705]

You know..i never gave it much thought until now..but Jack Bruce might be my all time favorite rock singer.. .man is he good...yes.

[@seanhammer6296]

Until this video I thought Eric Clapton sang White Room. smh ???

[@intuneorange]

JACK BRUCR SOUNDS more friendly than Robert Plant screeching

[@markr.devereux2713]

He was a musical spark plug for blues rock. Thank God he hooked up with Clapton. Good solid bassist/ vocalist and composer.

[@CHUMPTYTRUMPTY]

Holy shit, Peter Brown fucking rocks at 77! Gives all of us old farts hope!

[@Vinterfrid]

Pete Brown turns 80 today. Happy Birthday!

[@nor4277]

👍👍 he sing well ,thanks for shareing

[@timothylanders3189]

He did a cracking job with the vocals & @ his age. Wow!

[@soulballet]

always luvved those lyrix

[@RodCornholio]

Still avante garde...yet defined the era. Iconic.

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

One of the greatest songs of all time!!!

[@joecomuniello4504]

Never Eva be a band like cream ever again!!!! My favorite group of all time!!! Seen their las t concert @ Madison Square Garden In 2005 ( October) a fund raiser for Jack, it was as if they never split apart.. “ phenomenal show all their hits simply awesome!!! Miss I Ginger & Jack May you both Rest In Peace, & God bless!!!👍👍👍

[@rollingtroll]

It's an absolute hit, that. Love the song, and love cream. Fresh Cream and Disraeli gears are, in my opinion, among the best records to have been released in the 60's.

[@georgeetboom7719]

One of my favioute songs ever

[@colinkeefe]

I sang this song a bunch of times when it was a hit, and fifty years later I still have no idea what the lyrics mean. America’s “Horse With No Name” is equally puzzling to me.

[@Unclemoparman]

FANTASTIC 🙏🏻❤

[@MrLouisfine]

Your KZbin channel is amazing.

[@TheAlbert1A1]

This is a CREAM song that’s it!

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Super song

[@ix-Xafra]

Still one of the most evocative songs I've played...

[@RJRonquillo]

Wow 77 and sounding great!

[@unstablesun8179]

And still doing the same old shit.

[@efhs1970]

Awesome!

[@jazzandbluesculturalherita2547]

Hell, yeah, Pete! One of the best numbers from Cream. Nice job, Mate! Agree with @MagnusBruce that most would have to be a Cream fan to know Pete Brown when walking in on a performance at the corner pub.

[@johnpick8336]

This music is very powerful even after 60 years or so really amazing.

[@Reba24u]

So very powerful then and now

[@Bc232klm]

No mention of Clapton lol

[@bmorebob6624]

cubs0110 he didn’t write the song

[@WELLBRAN]

@@bmorebob6624 but ginger arranged it...as sunshine also...never got a mention though

[@andrewmair7371]

WELLBRAN Were u there❔

[@WELLBRAN]

@@andrewmair7371 uuuum..well im 63 yrs old ..so...yeah

[@andrewmair7371]

WELLBRAN Happy Birthday ‼️🎁🎉🎈🎊🎂 -I’m older than you (sadly)...so, I mean, were you literally there❔😄🤣

[@jeffmotsinger8203]

When I hear this song, I always think of the ending scene in Edgar Rice Burroughs' book, where Tarzan is in a Maryland train station when he receives the ultimate good/bad news. The line about tigers in jungles just clinches it.

[@dmc4426]

Very cool!

[@michaelwosslert9524]

What a great guy!

[@Farlig69]

Best music channel on the internet!

[@RC-74]

RIP Mr. Brown. You are missed!

[@bobm549]

How lucky would it be to just pop in to a random pub and hear this .

[@adammartin7007]

Check out the Disraeli Gears episode of the Classic Albums series. Brown is featured quite prominently in that documentary.

[@andylucas1175]

Top man.

[@MikeDial]

And now Pete's writing with Joe Bonamassa. He's still got it.

[@JammyGit]

White Room - Without doubt, hands down the best song that Cream ever recorded. The thumping drum intro, the melodic and whistful verses of surreal lyrics, and to top it off, the wah-ing guitar solo that has to rank up there as 1 of the best that Clapton ever played - It's all there with this song and is by far my favourite Cream song. It was a shame that it wasn't released as a single until after Cream had split, otherwise I'm sure it would have been a bigger hit than it was. 👍

[@scullcap357]

The highest praise I could give this song is hands down best Halloween song .

[@samswank]

Go watch the full version that this takes clips from. Unbelievably great.

[@dasmit-wp6bw]

Pete Brown. Golden country kingdom.

[@martinlewis807]

Brilliantl

[@Lynsmithify]

just seen this cocumentry and never new that this man lived in my home town of Hastings

[@susantyrellfans]

He sounds great .