“Palace of the King”(sometimes referred to with “Living in the…” in the title or lyrics) is a blues/rock track by Freddie King (often billed as Freddy King early in his career), one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” alongside B.B. King and Albert King.
The 5 W’s
- Who: Performed and sung by Freddie King (1934–1976), the Texas-born electric blues guitarist and singer known for his powerful voice, expressive bends, and influence on rock guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The song was written by Don Nix, Donald “Duck” Dunn (of Booker T. & the M.G.’s), and Leon Russell.
- What: An upbeat, groove-oriented blues-rock song with King’s signature guitar work. It features a narrative about a traveling musician who has performed around the world but longs to return home to Dallas. The “palace of the king” metaphorically represents his preferred life or home base in Texas, where he feels most at home playing the blues his way. It appears on his 1971 album Getting Ready…, his first for Shelter Records (produced by Leon Russell and Don Nix).
- When: Released in 1971 on the album Getting Ready… (recorded at Ter-Mar Chess Studios in Chicago). It has appeared on various compilations since, such as The Best of Freddie King: The Shelter Years.
- Where: Primarily associated with Dallas, Texas(King’s birthplace and roots—he was born in nearby Gilmer but raised in part in Dallas/Chicago). The album was recorded in Chicago but mixed elsewhere; King was based in Texas and had strong ties there throughout his career.
- Why: The song expresses a bluesman’s homesickness and preference for authentic roots over glamorous international touring. It celebrates King’s identity as a Texas blues artist who values playing “the blues my way” in familiar surroundings over superficial fame (e.g., playing for royalty or in cold foreign cities). It fits the era’s blues-rock crossover and King’s Shelter Records period, where he collaborated with rock/soul figures like Russell and Dunn.
Interesting Info
- Freddie King was a major bridge between traditional blues and rock; his Shelter albums (including this track) show him in a more produced, rock-influenced setting with top session players.
- The song name-drops real touring experiences (England/Queen, Russia, Denmark, Italy) with humorous complaints, reflecting the life of a working bluesman in the late 1960s/early 1970s.
- “The King” in the title likely refers to Freddie himself or his Dallas “kingdom”/home life, rather than a literal person (though some fans have speculated poetically about heaven/God). It ties into his “King” persona as one of the blues royalty.
- Black Stone Cherry and others have covered it. Freddie’s version stands out for its soulful delivery and fiery guitar.
- King died young (age 42) in 1976 from health issues, but his influence endures—he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2012) and ranked highly among greatest guitarists.
Lyrics
I was born down in Dallas
Raised up in the city of the wind
Yeah, I could spend a month of Sundays
Talkin’ about the places I have been
Yeah, I played the blues in England, I visit with the Queen
She really dug my style but Queen is not my thing
I’m goin’ back to Dallas, livin’ in the palace of the king
Hey, they wanted me in Russia, but Moscow was much too cold
Yeah, I coulda’ played down in Denmark, but girls was much too old
Yeah now, the Italians talk funny, I don’t know what they say
I can’t find a Chitlins Pizza at any price I pay
Goin’ back to Dallas, livin’ in the palace of the king
Oh, living in the palace of the king
Yeah, living in the palace
Leaving home was hard to think
I can make you smile, every note I play
I can make you happy, by playin’ the blues my way
I’m goin’ back to Dallas, livin’ in the palace of the king
Yeah, I’m living in the palace of the king
Yeah, I’m living in the palace
That palace is quit the thing
Been around the world, I hear me things
Nothing can make me feel satisfied, but this blues I sing
I’m goin’ back to Dallas, livin’ in the palace of the king
Oh, I’m living in the palace of the king
Yeah, I’m living in the palace of the king
Yeah, I’m living in the palace of the king
Yes, I’m living in the palace of the king
Yeah, I’m living in the palace of the king
A great song to gig with!