Come On In My Kitchen

“Come On In My Kitchen” is one of those songs that grabs you from the first chord. Robert Johnson, with his unique ability to convey emotions, creates an almost hypnotic atmosphere that resonates with sadness and longing. This piece, distinguished by its eight-bar blues structure, is held together by a repeated chorus that gives it cohesion and deep emotional weight. Johnson’s performance is so intense that, according to his traveling companion Johnny Shines, it once made the audience cry during one of his shows in St. Louis.

The recording of this song took place on November 23, 1936, at the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, during Johnson’s first recording session. From that session, two takes were preserved, but it was the first one that Columbia Records chose to include in the 1961 compilation *King of the Delta Blues Singers*. Curiously, the producers at Vocalion felt the first take was too melancholic and asked Johnson to record a more upbeat version for the second take, which was the one released in 1937. This reflects how, at times, commercial decisions can influence the presentation of a work of art.

The lyrics of “Come On In My Kitchen” evoke loneliness and heartbreak. Johnson sings of his wife who has left him, reflecting a narrative of loss that resonates with many. Lines like “Everybody throws her down” and “Ain’t got nobody to care for me” lay bare his vulnerability. Moreover, the use of a murmur at the beginning and the imitation of winter wind with his guitar add a layer of atmosphere that makes the listening experience even more immersive. This song is not only a testament to Johnson’s talent but also an example of how the blues can capture the essence of human experience.