About the song
“Layla,” a timeless masterpiece by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, stands as a quintessential icon in the history of rock music. Released in 1970 as part of Derek and the Dominos’ album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,” the song is renowned for its dual contrasting melodies crafted by Clapton and Gordon.
The title of the song draws inspiration from the Persian love story of “Layla and Majnun” by Nizami Ganjavi, gifted to Clapton by his friend Ian Dallas. This tale deeply resonated with Clapton, reflecting his own unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, who was then married to his close friend, George Harrison of The Beatles. The narrative of a young man’s hopeless love for a woman he cannot have, leading to madness, mirrored Clapton’s emotional turmoil at the time.
Upon its initial release, “Layla” did not achieve immediate commercial success. However, over time, it garnered immense critical acclaim and became one of the greatest rock songs in history. Its 1972 re-release and the acoustic version performed by Clapton on MTV Unplugged in 1992 both achieved significant chart success. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked “Layla” at number 27 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” while the acoustic version won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1993.
The circumstances surrounding the creation of “Layla” are intertwined with Clapton’s personal life. His feelings for Boyd, whom he eventually married in 1979 after her divorce from Harrison, provided the emotional backdrop for the song’s composition. Clapton’s ability to channel his raw emotions into music, as Boyd herself acknowledged, added an intense depth to the song that resonates with listeners instinctively.
In the studio, “Layla” took shape with the collaboration of outstanding musicians like Duane Allman, whose guitar work alongside Clapton’s created the iconic riff that defines the song. Producer Tom Dowd, known for his meticulous approach to recording, played a crucial role in capturing the essence of “Layla” during its sessions. The song’s structure, with its two distinct musical sections and memorable piano coda by Jim Gordon, reflects the profound musical chemistry among the band members.
“Layla” not only showcases Clapton’s virtuosity as a guitarist but also highlights his evolution as a songwriter capable of expressing complex emotions through music. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to transcend time and resonate with audiences across generations, cementing its place as a masterpiece in the pantheon of rock music.
In conclusion, “Layla” stands as a testament to Eric Clapton’s musical genius and his ability to transform personal pain into timeless art. Its legacy continues to inspire and captivate music lovers worldwide, a testament to the power of music to convey the deepest emotions of the human experience.
Video
Lyrics
See if you can spot this one
What will you do when you get lonely
And no one’s waiting by your side?
You’ve been running and hiding much too long
You know it’s just your foolish pride
Layla
You’ve got me on my knees, Layla
Begging darling please, Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?
Tried to give you consolation
Your old man, he let you down
Like a fool, I fell in love with you
You turned my whole world upside down
Layla
You’ve got me on my knees, Layla
Begging darling please, Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?
Make the best of the situation
Before I finally go insane
Please don’t say we’ll never find a way
Or tell me all my love’s in vain
Layla
You’ve got me on my knees, Layla
Begging darling please, Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?
Layla
You’ve got me on my knees, Layla
Begging darling please, Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?
Layla
You’ve got me on my knees, Layla
Begging darling please, Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?
Layla
You’ve got me on my knees, Layla
Begging darling please, Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?
Thank you