I'd Rather Go Blind

"I'd Rather Go Blind" is a blues song written by Ellington Jordan and co-credited to Billy Foster and Etta James. It was first recorded by Etta James in 1967 and released in 1968. It has subsequently become regarded as a blues and soul classic. In February 1969, British blue band Chicken Shack went into the studio to record their version of the song. Musicians on that single were Christine Perfect (Organ, Vocals; later of Fleetwood Mac), Stan Webb (Guitar), Andy Sylvester (Bass Guitar, Organ Bass Pedals) and Dave Bidwell (Drums). The single was recorded at CBS studio on New Bond Street, London, run by engineer Mike Ross. The horn section was arranged by Terry Noonan (who also wrote the string arrangement for Fleetwood Mac’s single "Need Your Love So Bad").

Something told me it was over When I saw you and her talking Something deep down in my soul said "cry, girl" When I saw you and that girl walking I would rather, I would rather go blind, boy Than to see you walk away from me So, you see I love you so much I don't want to see you leave me, baby But most of all I don't wanna be free I was just, I was just I was just sitting here thinking About your kiss and your warm embrace With the reflection in the glass That I held to my lips, baby Revealed the tears that were on my face I would rather go blind, boy Than to see you walk away from me So, you see I love you so much And I don't want to see you leave me, baby But most of all I don't want to be free Baby, baby, baby, I'd rather go blind