Cream: SWLABR

Friday’s Flipside is an unusually named tune from Cream’s “Disraeli Gears” LP – “SWLABR.” Besides it having a strange title, how in the heck do you pronounce it? Swabber? Slobber? I don’t know about you, but I can’t pronounce a “W” and “L” that are together.

According to Jack Bruce it isn’t a word at all, the title is an acronym for “She Walks Like A Bearded Rainbow” – honest. You can’t make up something like this. Cream collaborator Pete Brown wrote this psychedelic classic, which was released in 7 inch form as the flipside of “Sunshine of Your Love.” The single peaked in the US at #5. “SWLABR” did not chart. I love Clapton’s double-tracked guitar on this song.

Lyrics

Coming to me in the morning, leaving me at night
Coming to me in the morning, leaving me alone
You've got that rainbow feel,
But the rainbow has a beard

Running to me a-cryin', when he throws you out
Running to me a-cryin', on your own again
You've got that pure feel
Such good responses
But the picture has a mustache

You're comin' to me with that soulful look on your face
Coming lookin' like you've never ever done one wrong thing

You're comin' to me with that soulful look on your face
You're comin' lookin' like you've never ever done one wrong thing

So many fantastic colours, I feel in a wonderland
Many fantastic colours, makes me feel so good
You've got that pure feel
Such good responses
Got that rainbow feel
But the rainbow has a beard