Alan Wilson Absolutely Shines In ’69 Woodstock “On The Road Again” Performance

Hittin’ The Pavement

Legendary Woodstock set by Canned Heat in the great summer of ’69 will forever go down as their greatest live performance of all time, which is basically solidified in this “On The Road Again” set where our Blind Owl shines brighter than ever before.

“Well, I’m so tired of crying, but I’m out on the road again. I’m on the road again, well, I’m so tired of crying, but I’m out on the road again…”

Playing this on a drone instrument, Wilson really gave into the psychedelic vibe of Woodstock during this iconic set, just one year before his tragic death upon fellow bandmate and friend Bob Hite’s canyon hillside at just 27 years old. Written by Alan, the song inspires a sense of longed and just freedom to feel the wind in his face on the open road.

Interesting Fact: Wilson had gained a knowledge of Eastern music after studying the Veena (an Indian stringed instrument) while at UCLA.

Imagining what Alan was going through during this set knowing what we know now, definitely adds a complex quality to the performance that does not quite meet the eye. We, unfortunately, lost one of the greatest artists of all time during this tragic day, but at least we can reference back to his greatest set at the unforgettable Woodstock . Enjoy and let the memories come flooding back!

+ On The Road Again Lyrics +

Well, I’m so tired of crying
But I’m out on the road again
I’m on the road again
Well, I’m so tired of crying
But I’m out on the road again
I’m on the road again
I ain’t got no woman
Just to call my special friend

You know the first time I traveled
Out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
You know the first time I traveled
Out in the rain and snow
In the rain and snow
I didn’t have no payroll
Not even no place to go

And my dear mother left me
When I was quite young
When I was quite young
And my dear mother left me
When I was quite young
When I was quite young
She said “Lord, have mercy
On my wicked son”

Take a hint from me, mama
Please don’t you cry no more
Don’t you cry no more
Take a hint from me, mama
Please don’t you cry no more
Don’t you cry no more
‘Cause it’s soon one morning
Down the road I’m going

But I ain’t going down
That long old lonesome road
All by myself
But I ain’t going down
That long old lonesome road
All by myself
I can’t carry you, baby
Gonna carry somebody else