We’re picking a few songs to help keep our spirits up at this time in a series we’re calling Blues in the Time of Corona, borrowing a bit from the title of Gabriel García Márquez’s famous novel.
Today’s song is Eric Bibb’s Needed Time, which he performs at practically every concert.
It’s an old traditional song, brought to prominence by Texas guitar-slinger Lightnin’ Hopkins and recorded by him in 1950. Hopkins, although a prolific recording artist, recorded few spiritual songs, just Needed Time and Sinner’s Prayer, as far as I know.
Eric Bibb brings an earnestness and passion to Needed Time that draws everybody in the room together, and makes them feel we’re all in this together, whatever our individual needs and circumstances are. We all know that “right now, is the needed time.” It seems more than ever appropriate in this health crisis. Sometimes we need something more than just ourselves.
I’m down on my bended knees
Down on my bended knees
Praying, won’t you come by here?
(More on this great song here). The following version is a lovely recording which features kora player Lamine Cissokho.
downatthecrossroads 
Great song – definitely now is the needed time and thanks for posting. Lightnin’ also recorded a great version of Praying Ground Blues.