Derek and the Dominos

Released: November 9, 1970

Songwriter: Big Bill Broonzy Charles Segar

Producer: Derek and the Dominos Tom Dowd

I got the key to the highway
Billed out and bound to go
I'm gonna leave here running
Walking is much too slow

I'm going back to the border
Woman, where I'm better known
You know you haven't done nothing
Drove a good man away from home

Oh give me one, one more kiss mama
Just before I go
'Cause when I leave this time you know I
I won't be back no more

I got the key, key to the highway
Billed out and bound to go
I'm gonna leave here running
Walking is most too slow

I got the key, key to the highway
Billed out and bound to go
I'm gonna leave here running
Walking is most too slow

I'm going back, back to the border
Babe, I'd better go
You know you haven't done nothing
Drove a good man away from home

Derek and the Dominos were a blues rock jam band formed in the spring of 1970 by guitarist and singer Eric Clapton, keyboardist and singer Bobby Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle and drummer Jim Gordon. They had previously played together in Delaney & Bonnie and Friends. Dave Mason supplied additional lead guitar on early studio sessions and played at their first live gig.

The band released only one studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The album went on to receive critical acclaim, but initially faltered in sales and in radio airplay. Although released in 1970 it was not until March 1972 that the album’s single “Layla” (a tale of unrequited love inspired by Clapton’s relationship with his friend George Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd) made the top ten in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album, which has received praise from critics and fans alike, is often considered to be the defining achievement of Clapton’s career.

more tracks from the album

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs

From the albums

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970)
Live at the Fillmore (1994)

Derek and the Dominos popular songs

Key to the HighwayDerek and the Dominos

Derek and the Dominos

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs