About the song
“I’d Love to Lay You Down,” penned by Johnny MacRae and performed by Conway Twitty, stands as a classic in American country music. 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. Known for its distinctive musical arrangement, the track is notable for its unconventional key changes, which gradually decrease in pitch—a departure from the typical upward modulation found in most songs.
The lyrical content of “I’d Love to Lay You Down” resonates with themes of romance and intimacy, conveyed through Twitty’s smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery. This approach not only captured the essence of traditional country music but also appealed to a broad audience, ensuring its enduring popularity. Over the years, the song has maintained its relevance, evidenced by its digital sales of over 300,000 copies since its availability for download.
In 2002, Daryle Singletary paid homage to Twitty’s classic with a remake that reached number 43 on the country charts, underscoring the song’s lasting influence and appeal across generations of country music listeners. Furthermore, references to “I’d Love to Lay You Down” continue to appear in contemporary country music, such as in Chris Young’s song “I Can Take It from There,” highlighting its enduring impact on the genre.
Recognized with a Gold certification by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 units, the song’s accolades further attest to its enduring popularity and cultural significance within the country music landscape. With its soulful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Conway Twitty’s iconic interpretation, “I’d Love to Lay You Down” remains a timeless testament to the power of storytelling through music, continuing to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and musical innovation.
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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