The Core (song)
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| "The Core" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Eric Clapton | |
| from the album Slowhand | |
| Released | November 25, 1977 |
| Length | 8:45 |
| Label | RSO |
| Songwriters | Eric Clapton, Marcy Levy |
| Producer | Glyn Johns |
"The Core" is a song written by Eric Clapton and Marcy Levy that was first released on Clapton's 1977 album Slowhand.
"The Core" is a long up-tempo song, clocking in at nearly 9 minutes long.[1][2] Clapton and Levy sing the vocals as a duet.[1] It is propelled by a "driving" guitar riff and includes a saxophone solo played by Mel Collins.[1][3] Something Else! critic S. Victor Aaron described the riff as "gritty".[4] Rolling Stone critic John Swenson described the song as having a "boogie rhythm reminiscent of Derek and the Dominoes."[5] Potomac News critic Bren Bailey said that the song "allows Clapton and his band to explore just about every vocal and instrumental blues experience known to man, and then some."[6]
The lyrics of "The Core" are about "self-motivation in times of difficulty" and is one of several Clapton songs that convey a message of faith.[2] Music hournalist Andrew Gerdner called out the line "I can burn without fuel" as providing an image of empowerment.[2] He also felt that the line "You are young and you are free, but damned if you're deceased in your own lifetime" is "a message of encouragement for hard times reminding you not to take life for granted."[2] On the other hand, The Morning Call critic Len Righi described the lyrics as "throwaway".[7]