Cocaine by Eric Clapton

"Cocaine" by Eric Clapton is a blues-rock classic with a famously slick riff and a bit of controversy around its message. Here's the lowdown:

🎵 About the Song

Title: Cocaine
Artist: Eric Clapton
Released: 1977 (on the album Slowhand)
Written by: J.J. Cale
Producer: Glyn Johns

💬 What’s It About?

Despite what it sounds like on the surface, "Cocaine" isn’t a straightforward endorsement of the drug—it’s actually a subtle anti-drug song, especially the way Clapton performs it.

He’s said in interviews that it was meant to be “quite cleverly anti-cocaine”, and in live versions, he sometimes adds the line:

"That dirty cocaine"

But since the lyrics are sparse and repetitive (mainly “She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie—cocaine”), the message is often misunderstood.

🎸 Musically

Laid-back blues-rock groove
Signature riff built on the E minor pentatonic scale
Slow, steady rhythm with a catchy, hypnotic vibe
Clapton's tone is creamy and smooth—classic Strat through a tube amp

The main riff is super fun (and not too tough) to play on guitar. Want the tab?

🌎 Legacy

One of Clapton’s most recognizable songs
A staple of classic rock radio
Still sparks debate due to the lyrics
Also gave more attention to J.J. Cale, whose writing Clapton championed (he also covered After Midnight, another Cale tune)