Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, October 23rd. The auction will begin at 3:00PM BST (7:00AM PDT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, October 24th.

A set of working lyrics handwritten by legendary American rock star Jimi Hendrix for his 1970 song "Straight Ahead", from his album The Cry of Love. This LP was released on 5 March 1971, almost six months after Hendrix's death, and included new material he was working on for his intended fourth album.

These lyrics differ markedly from the final version of the song, and their tone is significantly more racially charged. They read: "Have you heard- / about what's happening / all around- / Haven't you heard / What we've been spreading around Town / Aint talking bout black and white / I'm talking 'bout the world / all around". In contrast, the final version's lyrics are: "Have you heard baby / With the wind blown round / Have you heard baby / A whole lot a people comin' right on down".

In his final interview on 11 September 1970, with journalist and friend Keith Altham, Hendrix had expressed a desire to move away from politically charged music. When asked, "Do you have any politics in fact yourself?" Hendrix responded, "Not really. I was getting ready to get into all that, but like everybody goes through that stage, too. I just. . . it all comes out in the music most of the time. We have this one song called 'Straight Ahead'. And it just says, like, power to the people, freedom to the soul. Pass it on to the young and old. We don't give a damn if your hair is short or long. Communication is coming on strong. And all this kind of stuff, you know. . . There are too many heavy songs out nowadays. Music has been getting too heavy, almost to the state of unbearable. I have this one little saying: when things get too heavy just call me helium - the lightest known gas to man." This shift in Hendrix's mindset is certainly represented by these working lyrics, when compared to the final version.

The lot comprises three sheets of paper, onto which Hendrix has written the working lyrics for "Straight Ahead" in blue ink, with an additional line added in black ink. There are various crossing-outs, corrections and annotations across each of the three sheets, each of which is single-sided. Also included is a Tracks Ltd. letter of authenticity and a Roger Epperson Authentication Ltd. certificate of authenticity. Dimensions (each sheet): 15 cm x 22.5 cm (6" x 8.8")

The handwriting in this lot has been professionally authenticated by expert Garry King; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: £40,000 - 80,000 †

View all lots from JIMI HENDRIX in DAY 1