Cream’s “White Room” is based on a real room rather than an entirely symbolic setting. Lyricist Pete Brown wrote the lyrics during a major period of personal and professional change, while the song showcased the musical chemistry of Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker despite their strained relationship.

Brown originally composed an eight-page poem about relationships and recovering from substance abuse, which Cream substantially shortened for the song. He lived in the white room in 1967 and said that being there helped him give up drugs and alcohol, while also prompting him to reassess his life as he moved from professional poetry towards songwriting.