About the song
“Anyone for Tennis?” is one of the more whimsical and lesser-known tracks by the legendary British rock band Cream. Released in 1968, this song was part of the band’s “Wheels of Fire” album, which holds the distinction of being one of the first double albums in rock history. The track, while not one of the band’s massive hits like “Sunshine of Your Love” or “White Room,” has remained a curious and intriguing piece of their catalog, capturing the experimental spirit of the late 1960s.
The song was written by Jack Bruce, the bassist and primary songwriter of the band, with lyrics that reflect the quirky and surreal lyricism typical of much of Cream’s output during this period. The title, “Anyone for Tennis?”, conjures up images of an aristocratic afternoon of leisure, but in true Cream fashion, the song quickly spirals into a playful commentary on superficiality, societal expectations, and a certain sense of detachment from reality. The lyrics are filled with clever wordplay and absurdity, with references to tennis, playing with social conventions, and a kind of indifferent questioning of the modern world. It’s a song that never takes itself too seriously, but it speaks to the experimental, avant-garde ethos that defined much of the late ’60s.
The “Wheels of Fire” album, which features “Anyone for Tennis?”, was released at the height of the psychedelic era, when artists were pushing the boundaries of rock and roll, experimenting with sound, structure, and themes. The album itself is notable for its mixture of blues-based rock, progressive experimentation, and improvisation, a hallmark of Cream’s sound. The inclusion of a track like “Anyone for Tennis?” shows the band’s willingness to venture into the absurd and surreal, embracing the playful, experimental side of the counterculture movement.
The musical arrangement of “Anyone for Tennis?” is also indicative of Cream’s virtuosic musicianship. While the song has a lighthearted, almost jazzy tone, it still allows the band’s three members—Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass, and Ginger Baker on drums—to showcase their technical prowess. The melody is bouncy and upbeat, with Clapton’s guitar playing offering a fluid and bluesy contrast to the more whimsical feel of the song. Baker’s drumming is dynamic, adding a rhythmic drive that propels the track forward. The song’s arrangement exemplifies the band’s ability to blend different genres, effortlessly fusing rock, jazz, and blues into a unique musical language.
From a cultural perspective, “Anyone for Tennis?” is a reflection of the social environment in which it was created. The 1960s were marked by a wave of experimentation in art, music, and culture, with artists breaking away from traditional norms and exploring new ways of thinking and creating. This track, with its playful absurdity and tongue-in-cheek commentary, fits perfectly within that larger cultural shift. The song captures the essence of the time’s sense of disillusionment, as well as a playful critique of the prevailing social structures, particularly the upper classes, whose leisurely pursuits, like tennis, seem frivolous and out of touch with the turmoil of the wider world.
Though “Anyone for Tennis?” was never a commercial hit, it remains an interesting and unique entry in Cream’s discography. It shows the band’s ability to experiment with form and content, incorporating humor, irony, and a touch of surrealism into their music. For fans of Cream, the song is a delightful reminder of the band’s versatility and their capacity to combine technical excellence with playful, innovative songwriting.
In conclusion, “Anyone for Tennis?” is a song that captures the essence of Cream‘s unique ability to blend musical virtuosity with playful experimentation. It speaks to the band’s sense of humor, their willingness to push boundaries, and their engagement with the cultural movements of the time. While it may not have had the same mass appeal as some of their other tracks, it remains a gem for those who appreciate the quirky, progressive side of late-1960s rock. Through this track, Cream once again proved that they were not just a band for the mainstream, but a band capable of breaking new ground in the world of rock music.
Video
Lyrics
Twice upon a time in the valley of tearThe auctioneer is bidding for a box of fading yearsAnd the elephants are dancing on the graves of squealing mice.Anyone for tennis, wouldn’t that be nice?And the ice creams are all melting on the streets of bloody beerWhile beggars stain the pavement with fluorescent Christmas cheerAnd the Bentley driving guru is putting up his price.Anyone for tennis, wouldn’t that be nice?And the prophets in the boutiques give out messages of hopeWith jingle bells and fairy tales and blind colliding scopesAnd you can tell they’re all the same underneath the pretty lies.Anyone for tennis, wouldn’t that be nice?The yellow Buddhist monk is burning brightly at the zooYou can bring a bowl of rice and a glass of water tooAnd fate is setting up the chessboard while death rolls out the dice.Anyone for tennis, wouldn’t the be nice?