Psychedelic Rock

This song about a woman who is not respectful of her man and is making him feel like a fool was first recorded by Latin jazz percussionist Willie Bobo and released on his 1967 album Bobo Motion. It was written by Bob’s guitarist Clarence “Sonny” Henry. Santana recorded it in 1969 for their first album titled Santana, and it did well for them, particularly after their performance at the Woodstock festival. They released it as a single late in 1969, and it became their first top 10 hit, rising to #9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Gregg Rolie sings the lead vocals and plays a Hammond organ solo in the middle of the song. Carlos Santana, after whom the group is named (of course), has his wonderful guitar work featured. Personnel, besides Rolie and Santana, on the track were David Brown (bass), Michael Shrieve (drums, Michael Carabello (congas, perussion), and José “Chepito” Areas (timbales, congas, percussion).

Here are the lyrics to “Evil Ways” by Santana:

“You’ve got to change your evil ways, baby
Before I stop lovin’ you You’ve got to change, baby
And every word that I say is true
You got me runnin’ and hidin’ all over town
You got me sneakin’ and a-peepin’ and runnin’ you down
This can’t go on, lord knows you got to change, baby

Baby, when I come home, baby
My house is dark and my pots are cold
You’re hangin’ round, baby
With Jean and Joan and-a who knows who
I’m gettin’ tired of waitin’ and foolin’ around
I’ll find somebody that won’t make me feel like a clown
This can’t go on, lord knows you got to change

Hey

When I come home, baby
My house is dark and my pots are cold
You’re hangin’ round, baby
With Jean and Joan and-a who knows who
I’m gettin’ tired of waitin’ and foolin’ around
I’ll find somebody who won’t make me feel like a clown
This can’t go on, yeah-yeah-yeah”

Here’s Santana performing “Evil Ways” on August 16, 1969, at Woodstock. Santana said that he regretted ingesting a certain substance before going on stage. He kept grimacing and trying to hang in there, because the neck of his guitar kept turning into a snake. Will say no more.

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Evil Ways” by Santana.