The song is said to be a response to heavy rains that caused severe flooding and damage in Louisiana. Brown, being an African American sharecropper, witnessed firsthand the hardships and the devastation caused by these floods. He poured his emotions into the song, expressing the grief and despair he felt during those challenging times.
The lyrics of Rainy Day Crossroads Blues paint a vivid picture of the flood's impact on the lives of sharecroppers. The lines, "Rainy Day, it's a-raining all the day long / Got the blues, I can't get along," resonate with a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. The floods meant significant financial losses for sharecroppers, and the relentless rain symbolized their constant struggles and the uncertainty of their future.
Brown's guitar playing in this song is equally moving. His slide guitar technique adds a soulful touch, echoing the emotional depth of his lyrics. The slow, melancholic tempo accentuates the sense of despair portrayed by the song's lyrics.
The song's title refers to a pivotal moment where Brown and his fellow sharecroppers faced crucial life decisions. At a literal crossroads, they had to decide whether to stay and endure the hardships or leave and seek a better life elsewhere. The song captured this poignant moment and the crossroads symbolize life's uncertain journey.
Rainy Day Crossroads Blues gained recognition and became an influential song in the blues genre. It resonated with audiences and connected with the struggles faced by African Americans during the harsh economic climate of the Great Depression. It showcased the power of music to express pain, hardship, and the desire for a better tomorrow.
Over the decades, Rainy Day Crossroads Blues has been performed by renowned blues musicians, including Furry Lewis, Son House, and B.B. King. Each artist added their interpretation to the song, keeping the raw emotions and powerful narrative intact.
In essence, Rainy Day Crossroads Blues stands as a testament to the resilience and artistry of African American blues musicians during a challenging period in history. It transcends time, capturing the essence of human struggles and the pursuit of hope amidst adversity.