Deep Cuts From 1971: ‘ Bell Bottom Blues’- Derek And The Dominos. ‘Bell Bottom Blues’ was one of the songs that Eric Clapton wrote [ Bobby Whitlock was a co-writer on this song] inspired by Pattie Boyd Harrison. Pattie had asked Eric to get her a pair of bell-bottom jeans from the United States. The song- one of many Pattie inspired songs on the Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs album-describes an argument that the two had. I was surprised to learn that ‘Bell Bottom Blues’ was the first single released from that album- ahead of ‘Layla.” ‘Layla’ would go on to become a #10 hit- while ‘Bell Bottom Blues’- an outstanding tune in itself- was a chart flop at #91. Clapton is the only guitarist on this song- Duane Allman hadn’t joined the band at this point in the recordings of the album.