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John Lee Hooker — The Healer (w/ Carlos Santana)
Album: The Healer
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2563









Released: 1989
Length: 5:33
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm
Hmm, oh Lord, Lord
Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm
Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm

Blues a healer, all over the world
Blues a healer, healer
All over the world, all over the world
It healed me, it can heal you

Healed me to heal you early one morning
It can heal you the blues can heal you, yeah, yeah
It healed me, healed me, it healed me
I was down, I was down, it healed me

Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
Yes it did, yes it did, look now
A woman left me, the blues healed me
My woman left me, left me, early one morning
Blues healed me, it healed me, healed me, yeah, yeah

Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
Hmm, have mercy
The blues, the blues is a healer
Blues, blues, is a healing healer

It healed, healed, healed
Heal, heal, heal, heal
All over the world, all over the world
It's a healer

One night, I was laying down
Feeling so bad, so low, so low
My woman had left me
Blues came along and healed me

Heal, heal, heal, heal
Carlos, it healed me, Carlos
Carlos, it healed me
The blues, it healed, it healed, healer

Hey, hey, healed me, healed me, healer
Hey, blues a healer, the blues a healer
All over the world, all over the world, hmm

Lord, Lord, Lord, blues a healer
All over the world, all over the world
Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord
Healed me, healed, healed, healed
It healed me, it healed me, to heal me
Can heal you, can heal you, heal you, if you let it
Comments (222)add comment
 SpinyNorma wrote:

This, kiddiwinks, is how it is done. The whole album is an 11 or 12.

Now, go away and practice. A Lot.



Kiddiwinks! I'm stealing that! 🤣
Posted 1 week ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
Nunca había escuchado esta maravilla. Neve herd before. Whw J.LH. came to Mexico in tje lates 80-s I had the privilege to listen him in a jam session in a small joint a few meters from stage
Posted 2 months ago by sergioso    [ Reply ]
Mash Up from Hell. Just awful. JLH shoulda steered clear. Hope he got paid.
Posted 5 months ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Carlos Santana might not be the greatest guitar player, but he's probably the most easily identifiable.
Posted 5 months ago by damonlazer    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:

heal de heal, blue de blues, heal, heal, blue, blue, etc...

I don't think JLH ever wrote down any of his lyrics 


I laugh every time I read this comment. And that is every time I hear this song. 
YaY!
Posted 6 months ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
A rock-solid 10!
Posted 6 months ago by Tjerome    [ Reply ]
10 all day long.
Posted 7 months ago by bryanmburns    [ Reply ]
As I think Santana is thinking, as cosmopolitan, the meaning of the lyrics must been understood in a more metaphysical way, somehow like " Everybody make everybody successful"! But not in the monetary way, in the being of humans, and the needs we all have, instead.
What about you?
Posted 9 months ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
That BEAT. 
Posted 10 months ago by tgrier    [ Reply ]
Heal me?
Thank goodness nobody did.
Posted 11 months ago by SgtBeefheart    [ Reply ]
I Love this Song!!
Posted 1 year ago by andrew4    [ Reply ]
Santanaized for your protection....
Posted 1 year ago by drewd    [ Reply ]
 Carl wrote:


Hope u still have it!


Yes Mr, Carl! Still here rocking out, found you'd commented only by the RP Main Mix taking me back here 4 years later :)
Posted 1 year ago by PilotGeorgy    [ Reply ]
I think this is my favourite song of ALL TIME!!!
Posted 1 year ago by PilotGeorgy    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

Obviously Carlos Santana on guitar.  Obviously John Lee Hooker on mumble.  At least an 8 ...




Posted 1 year ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
 PilotGeorgy wrote:

One of my all time favourite tracks! I literally just made an account to make this comment haha



Hope u still have it!
Posted 1 year ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
Tropical blues
Posted 2 years ago by jasko    [ Reply ]
 gigikent wrote:

what is the wind instrument (presumably) that is weird-sounding/sensual at the begining? 


I can't find any info on it, but I wonder if it is Chester D Thompson on a keyboard sample of some kind of pan flute or ocarina?
Posted 2 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:

heal de heal, blue de blues, heal, heal, blue, blue, etc...

I don't think JLH ever wrote down any of his lyrics 


LOL You really have me laughing! Perfect. Love the song, btw.

Posted 2 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
what is the wind instrument (presumably) that is weird-sounding/sensual at the begining? 
Posted 2 years ago by gigikent    [ Reply ]
Just love this man✌️
Posted 2 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]

"YOU'RE WELCOME, Mr. Hooker, ANY time." ~
- Carlos
Posted 2 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
I have always loved how each of these two sonic magicians can enter and fully inhabit some otherworldly realm when playing their immortal jams! HEAL ME
Posted 2 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Quite honestly I wouldn't mind seeing a sprinkling of 80s/90s smooth jazz added to the lineup.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Simply Wonderful!
Posted 2 years ago by brianp53    [ Reply ]
 joejennings wrote:

Good tune!


Understatement!
Posted 2 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
Good tune!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

Obviously Carlos Santana on guitar.  Obviously John Lee Hooker on mumble.  At least an 8 ...



Laughed SO hard at this... 
Posted 3 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:

Obviously Carlos Santana on guitar.  Obviously John Lee Hooker on mumble.  At least an 8 ...




Cool blend of jazzy and bluesy!
Posted 3 years ago by BobHeisler    [ Reply ]
Where does it grab you?

 RobbieRP wrote:
This song just grabbed me when I was 18 and even now in 2020 it still does every time and I don't know why.
 

Posted 3 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
This song just grabbed me when I was 18 and even now in 2020 it still does every time and I don't know why.
Posted 4 years ago by RobbieRP    [ Reply ]
Best Hooker Ever~!
Posted 4 years ago by Rockit9    [ Reply ]
in the very few first moves you know this is going to be a fine tune
Posted 4 years ago by Pilsenaaa    [ Reply ]
This, kiddiwinks, is how it is done. The whole album is an 11 or 12.

Now, go away and practice. A Lot.
Posted 4 years ago by SpinyNorma    [ Reply ]
Obviously Carlos Santana on guitar.  Obviously John Lee Hooker on mumble.  At least an 8 ...
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Dang, what a great track! Still love it ... so much energy
Posted 5 years ago by darkblue    [ Reply ]
Damn.
Posted 5 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
oh hell yes
Posted 5 years ago by mark93    [ Reply ]
One of my all time favourite tracks! I literally just made an account to make this comment haha
Posted 5 years ago by PilotGeorgy    [ Reply ]
Rating me:  7 - Quite Likeable       only 
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
heal de heal, blue de blues, heal, heal, blue, blue, etc...

I don't think JLH ever wrote down any of his lyrics 
Posted 6 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
I like it!
Posted 6 years ago by steviedeant    [ Reply ]
If you're going to make a comeback album in your 70's then "The Healer" is probably the way to do it    
Posted 6 years ago by redart    [ Reply ]
MAGIC
Posted 6 years ago by hedgie    [ Reply ]
hot DAMN!
Posted 7 years ago by fatcatjb    [ Reply ]
Goshhhhh!!!!! {#Sunny}{#Guitarist}
Posted 7 years ago by spensnook    [ Reply ]
{#Devil_pimp} zesty!
Posted 7 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
Way to blandify John Lee Hooker (and Santana for that matter).
Posted 7 years ago by nutrod42    [ Reply ]
Fantastic, Love the Blues, Love Hooker, Love Santana!
Posted 7 years ago by semolinapilchard    [ Reply ]
 joempie wrote:
No matter how great it is what Santana does, I can't stand the sound of it...

 
What an incredibly great loss for you!  To each his own!  I had to crank it, close my eyes, and enjoy!
Posted 8 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
 joempie wrote:
No matter how great it is what Santana does, I can't stand the sound of it...

 
No matter how grammatical it is what Santana speaks, I barely make stand of your first clause. 
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Beautiful piece    {#Yes}
Posted 8 years ago by konakid    [ Reply ]
 S-curvy wrote:

It was also right before JLH died, so it could be that JLH was just old and kinda pooped.

 
When RP first played this I thought it was so coollll. I bought the CD and after listening to the tracks they began to fall flat. Great music but it is a little stylized, "cheesy. "
However, I saw Santana 6 months ago and he was "awesome" and not cheesy. 
Posted 8 years ago by jimtyrrell    [ Reply ]
Not a bad track for a 72 year-old to release was it?
Posted 9 years ago by ncarus    [ Reply ]
 rscherm wrote:
Love both these artists, but, come on, this is a dull derivative of the good stuff these guys have done. Also, this was when Santana had that cheesy keyboard sound following him around like some smooth jazz artist.

 
It was also right before JLH died, so it could be that JLH was just old and kinda pooped.
Posted 9 years ago by S-curvy    [ Reply ]
I could do without the flute for sure!
Posted 9 years ago by yagermeister    [ Reply ]
No matter how great it is what Santana does, I can't stand the sound of it...
Posted 9 years ago by joempie    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}...... an "OUTSTANDING" combination  ......   {#Bananajam}
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
Most excellent.
Posted 10 years ago by vluvlu    [ Reply ]
Great combo: John Lee & Carlos.  Don't need to look at web page to know who's on guitar.
Posted 11 years ago by markthecarp    [ Reply ]
Jimi to JLH ya gotta thank Bill
Posted 11 years ago by janac13    [ Reply ]
Over production, too polished sound,...tons of reverb,..but still, awesome...
Posted 11 years ago by aristoteles    [ Reply ]
don't get any better.....{#Bananajam}{#Guitarist}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
Love both these artists, but, come on, this is a dull derivative of the good stuff these guys have done. Also, this was when Santana had that cheesy keyboard sound following him around like some smooth jazz artist.
Posted 11 years ago by rscherm    [ Reply ]
The very definition of sucko-barfo for me
Posted 11 years ago by jessesteinen    [ Reply ]
Nice Segway after that obscure hendrix tune, RP guy :-)
Posted 11 years ago by Cattyski    [ Reply ]
Hey miii... oh oh da da da da... miii mii... doo doo...

It seems thet pitch-shifted a babbling infant to get the vocal track. 
Posted 11 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]
I can honestly say that this is the first time I've enjoyed JLH
Posted 11 years ago by shakylegs    [ Reply ]
OUTSTANDING!!     {#Bananapiano}{#Drummer}{#Bananajam}
Posted 11 years ago by dew34    [ Reply ]
Why are some of you complaining about Santana, and Santana playing with Hooker? 
Some big blues players consider JLH one of the premier blues artists.
And I remind you that before Santana the guitarist was with Santana (the band of the first three albums), and before Woodstock, he headed up the Santana BLUES Band.  In these 40+ years, he's played with virtually every major blues guitarist and singer. Why should JLH not be one of them? 
Posted 12 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Odd. This is one Santana song I could do without ever hearing again, I've always admired his playing but I've never been a fan of JLH, the repetitive singing thing....and as has been said, Santana is here for a name drop, really. It's odd because Bill played it right after "Rainy day, Dream away", which is probably the one Hendrix song I can listen to.
Posted 12 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
So glad you are continuing your therapy sessions, Cyn: they will certainly pay off someday...


Cynaera wrote:
I'm not a fan of John Lee Hooker - never have been - but the first time I heard this song (on FM radio here in this little squeegee-beep town), I was floored.  Something about the resonance, as if they're playing in a cavernous room with fantastic acoustics.  It's one of the very few songs by Hooker that I can tolerate, but I tolerate it well.  {#Mrgreen}
 

Posted 12 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 redtail1 wrote:
... this synthesizer-preset dreck. 
 
So well-said. Hotel breakfast music. 
Posted 12 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]
Vaguely Latin? Check.

Self-indulgent solos all over the verses? Check.

I wasn't surprised to see Santana's name on this synthesizer-preset dreck. He's been coasting for thirty years.

Posted 13 years ago by redtail1    [ Reply ]

Carlos Santana & Ry Cooder - The Healer, Live

Carlos Santana with Ry Cooder performing The Healer at the All Our Colors benefit concert, Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View, 10-10-1992. Love that slide. www.rycooderstuff.co.uk


Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
I'm not a fan of John Lee Hooker - never have been - but the first time I heard this song (on FM radio here in this little squeegee-beep town), I was floored.  Something about the resonance, as if they're playing in a cavernous room with fantastic acoustics.  It's one of the very few songs by Hooker that I can tolerate, but I tolerate it well.  {#Mrgreen}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
halfway through this song in the middle of the instrumental section I thought 'this is elevator music' , howver then read the credits and saw it was JLHooker. Hmmmmm surprised, lacks punch too much for my liking
Posted 13 years ago by suesblues    [ Reply ]
 david1045 wrote:
I rated this song a 3...I now feel like that may have been a little generous. I never want to hear this song again. 
 
Wow I thought being deaf would have more advantages for ya?

Posted 13 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]
I rated this song a 3...I now feel like that may have been a little generous. I never want to hear this song again. 
Posted 14 years ago by david1045    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
Wasn't it DON WAS producing?
 
Liner notes say Mike Kappus and Jim Gaines.

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
i have come to view Santana as the Kenny G of the electric guitar
Posted 14 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 helgigermany wrote:
Cant stand to much HOOKER! But this is nice because Carlos Santana is around!!
 

Once I LOVED Santana and still cherish his early works especially
(first 5-6 albums)!

But, frankly, more and more he tramples on my nerves!

Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Wasn't it DON WAS producing?
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Damn that is good!
{#Bananajam}
Posted 14 years ago by Cruzan    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:
If you've ever played a healer in an MMO with voice chat, you're prolly suppressing a thought like dammit, I don't see anyone named "ME" here
 

You gone deep baby!
Posted 14 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
Cant stand to much HOOKER! But this is nice because Carlos Santana is around!!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
If you've ever played a healer in an MMO with voice chat, you're prolly suppressing a thought like dammit, I don't see anyone named "ME" here
Posted 14 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
I think this is a perfect sultry sensual blues song and a terrific duo.

Thank you Carlos for making the concerted effort to seek diverse styles and artists to collaborate with.
Posted 14 years ago by Peace_tode    [ Reply ]
 andrewimft wrote:
Santana saves John Lee Hooker, the most overrated blues guy ever. ... maybe I never heard his early stuff.
 

This is one of those incredible comments like, "Oh you mean that Paul McCartney was in a band before Wings?  Maybe I should listen to some of his early stuff."

Posted 14 years ago by unclelonghair    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhhhh just perfect for a sultry evening in Brighton Town......(well it's a city really...)
Posted 14 years ago by jools    [ Reply ]
I love this track!
Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
HOOKING!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]

Why you did not play HENDRIX to the last bit?


Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
As I have to work this afternoon, great to hear some good mellow tracks.....
Posted 14 years ago by jools    [ Reply ]
I still think it is actually a very sensual song. Don't knock it until you have tried it.
Posted 14 years ago by Kimberly8    [ Reply ]
It's a shame to see people getting slammed for expressing an opinion. I too think J.L.H. is overrated, but if people think that I'm wrong - so what? It's not like I came round and beat up your wee brother.
Posted 15 years ago by madaxeman    [ Reply ]
A great combination of talent that produced a great song.  John Lee also collaborated with Bonnie Raitt on this album.  He still had it.
Posted 15 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
 Rotterdam wrote:


Well, I think it's a fisherman in his wet-gear fighting to get into the wheelhouse, whose windows are steamed up.
But what I really wanted to say was, gosh I love this music.
 
You said the right words, indeed!!


Posted 15 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 lawman wrote:
What's that damn' cover supposed to be ?  What a flipping mess!
 

Well, I think it's a fisherman in his wet-gear fighting to get into the wheelhouse, whose windows are steamed up.
But what I really wanted to say was, gosh I love this music.
Posted 15 years ago by Rotterdam    [ Reply ]
Devine.  Awesome sound mix.
Posted 15 years ago by snowcat    [ Reply ]
What's that damn' cover supposed to be ?  What a flipping mess!
Posted 15 years ago by lawman    [ Reply ]
 andrewimft wrote:
Santana saves John Lee Hooker, the most overrated blues guy ever. Hooker is interminably always playing the same riff, the same singing style to endless repetition. Not sure what gave him such a good rep... maybe I never heard his early stuff. This is way better than Hooker's screechingly dull version of this song with his own band without Santana. This isn't singing that Hooker is doing by the way, it's some kind of awful whatever. If he's a 100 years old, I'll forgive him, otherwise not.
 
The most overrated blues guy ever? Thats why he commands such respect from his peers. He was over 70 when this was recorded so no he wasn't at the top of his game but alot of people loved that raspy voice. Since John Lee is not with us guess he's not waiting for such a blues expert to forgive him. I was just intersted in the comments on this song and couldn't believe that such disrespect was given to two legends as there was another comment by another "expert" that Carlos only plays 6 notes ,I don't suppose he has ever watched him play. Music is a positive experience, not a negative one that so many comments are bringing. If I don't care for a song thats fine somebody else obviously will or it won't stay on the playlist very long, be tolerant please, life is too short to be so negative

Posted 15 years ago by stkman    [ Reply ]
Blues is the healer!
absolutely!
*9*
Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
!Superb! -   ** 9 **
Posted 16 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
simply awesome.
Posted 16 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
 DigitalJer wrote:

You're probably correct, in that Carlos Santana is a more technical player than JLH.  However, JLH is about the blues..the deep feeling that playing the blues both comes from, and exudes...and less so about being a virtuoso, if that makes sense.
 

SURE DOES! But check the phrasing of both artists, would be interesting to know the production sequence of this track.............

Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
 andrewimft wrote:

Santana saves John Lee Hooker, the most overrated blues guy ever. Hooker is interminably always playing the same riff, the same singing style to endless repetition.


 
You're probably correct, in that Carlos Santana is a more technical player than JLH.  However, JLH is about the blues..the deep feeling that playing the blues both comes from, and exudes...and less so about being a virtuoso, if that makes sense.


Posted 16 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
Oh what a blissful track! This is going straight to the chill playlist on my MP3 ready for the beach next week....mmmm
Posted 16 years ago by jools    [ Reply ]
Santana saves John Lee Hooker, the most overrated blues guy ever. Hooker is interminably always playing the same riff, the same singing style to endless repetition. Not sure what gave him such a good rep... maybe I never heard his early stuff. This is way better than Hooker's screechingly dull version of this song with his own band without Santana. This isn't singing that Hooker is doing by the way, it's some kind of awful whatever. If he's a 100 years old, I'll forgive him, otherwise not.
Posted 16 years ago by andrewimft    [ Reply ]
santana .....w/ j l hooker.duh"" santana with .........??? tone def!!!
Posted 16 years ago by cattail321    [ Reply ]
This is painfully bad. A sort of smooth jazz bluesy-like, non-bluesy like dirge. Buh-bye RP for now....
Posted 16 years ago by steve_san_carlos    [ Reply ]
eastcoast wrote:
Probably the best song on the album, I could leave the rest.
That comment doesn't recommend the album then, does it? If this is the best number...
Posted 16 years ago by inindian    [ Reply ]
spaceman wrote:
I'm sorry but this really sounds awful... synthie bass, canned and overused pan flute synthie sound, uninspired guitar noodling, incoherent vocals, ... all in all it sounds like it was made especially to be played as supermarket background muzak. Not worthy of JLH, at all.
If this song would have been released last year I could agree with you. But this was released in 1989 and at that time the pan flute sound wasn't overused and the synthie bass sounded new and cool. The only thing that's still current is Santana's guitar noodling which he still does today. If you cringe when hearing musical styles from 19 years ago and judge each song by what is considered cool today (or in any other limited time period for that matter), this may not be the right radio station for you.
Posted 16 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
love the intro, like the song.
Posted 16 years ago by FlamingLotus    [ Reply ]
Jimi followed by John Lee!! Good Morning.
Posted 16 years ago by amatura3    [ Reply ]
I'm sorry but this really sounds awful... synthie bass, canned and overused pan flute synthie sound, uninspired guitar noodling, incoherent vocals, ... all in all it sounds like it was made especially to be played as supermarket background muzak. Not worthy of JLH, at all.
Posted 16 years ago by spaceman    [ Reply ]
friday in night in colombia, im alone cool blues!!!
Posted 16 years ago by fantomas    [ Reply ]
DigitalJer wrote:
Some of these comments are totally uncalled for.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Hey it's not my fault it sucks.
You are no exception.
Posted 16 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
DigitalJer wrote:
No kidding, ppl are slamming a great original blues song, performed by two amazing artists. Some of these comments are totally uncalled for.
Hey it's not my fault it sucks.
Posted 16 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Sunman wrote:
I think it's a great mix of styles...surprised at all the negative comments.
No kidding, ppl are slamming a great original blues song, performed by two amazing artists. Some of these comments are totally uncalled for.
Posted 16 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]