About the song
“I’d Love to Lay You Down” stands out as a poignant country ballad written by Johnny MacRae and made famous by Conway Twitty. Released in January 1980 as the lead single from Twitty’s album *Heart & Soul*, the song swiftly ascended to the top of the country charts, marking Twitty’s impressive 24th number one hit in his illustrious career. Its popularity was not fleeting; the single maintained its number one position for a solid week, resonating deeply with country music enthusiasts across the nation.
One distinctive feature of Twitty’s rendition is its unconventional use of key changes. Instead of following the typical pattern of escalating key changes, the song gradually descends in key—a unique musical choice that adds to its allure and memorability. This departure from the norm underscores Twitty’s innovative approach to storytelling through music, a hallmark of his artistic style.
Over the years, “I’d Love to Lay You Down” has garnered enduring appeal, solidifying its status as a classic within the genre. Its evocative lyrics and Twitty’s emotive delivery strike a chord, conveying themes of love, desire, and intimacy with heartfelt sincerity. The song’s legacy is further underscored by its digital success; since its availability for download, it has amassed over 300,000 digital copies sold—a testament to its timeless allure and continued popularity among contemporary audiences.
In 2002, country artist Daryle Singletary paid homage to Twitty’s iconic track with his own rendition, which charted respectably at number 43 on the country charts. This remake not only attests to the song’s enduring influence but also highlights its enduring relevance within the country music landscape.
Beyond its direct impact, “I’d Love to Lay You Down” has left an indelible mark on subsequent generations of country musicians. Chris Young, in his single “I Can Take It from There,” references Twitty’s classic, demonstrating its lasting influence on modern artists who continue to draw inspiration from Twitty’s distinctive musical legacy.
“I’d Love to Lay You Down” remains a cherished classic in the annals of country music, cherished for its emotive power, lyrical depth, and Conway Twitty’s incomparable vocal delivery. Its ability to resonate across generations underscores its status as a timeless masterpiece within the genre, ensuring its place in the hearts of country music aficionados for years to come.
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Lyrics
There’s a lot of ways of sayin’ what I want to say to you
There’s songs and poems and promises and dreams that might come true
But I won’t talk of starry skies or moonlight on the ground
I’ll come right out and tell you I’d just love to lay you down
Lay ya down and softly whisper pretty love words in your ear
Lay ya down and tell you all the things a woman loves to hear
I’ll let you know how much it means just havin’ you around
Oh darlin’, how I’d love to lay you down
There’s so many ways your sweet love made this house into a home
You’ve got a way of doin’ little things that turn me on
Like standin’ in the kitchen in your faded cotton gown
With your hair all up in curlers, I’d still love to lay ya down
Lay ya down and softly whisper pretty love words in your ear
Lay ya down and tell you all the things a woman loves to hear
I’ll let you know how much it means just havin’ you around
Oh darlin’, how I’d love to lay you down
When a whole lot of Decembers are showin’ in your face
Your auburn hair has faded and silver takes its place
You’ll be just as lovely, and I’ll still be around
And if I can, I know that I’d still love to lay you down
Lay ya down and softly whisper pretty love words in your ear
Lay ya down and tell you all the things a woman loves to hear
I’ll let you know how much it means just havin’ you around
Oh darlin’, how I’d love to lay you down
Lay ya down and softly whisper pretty love words in your ear
Lay ya down and tell you all the things my woman loves to hear
I’ll let you know how much it means just havin’ you around
Oh darlin’, how I’d love to lay you down
Lay ya down and softly whisper pretty love words in your ear
Lay ya down and tell you all the things my woman loves to hear
I’ll let you know how much it means just havin’ you around
Oh darlin’, how I’d love to lay you down