Derek and The Dominos’ Layla

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Derek and The Dominos’ Layla

Derek and the Dominos Layla

Blues Rock

Derek and the Dominos formed in 1970 after Eric Clapton, Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle, and Jim Gordon worked together on George Harrison’s solo album titled All Things Must Pass. They played small clubs all over Europe, with Clapton and Whitlock writing songs as they toured. Clapton and Gordon wrote wrote “Layla” in 1970, and it appeared that year on their album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The album received RIAA platinum certification. It earned golden on the U.K., Canada, and Denmark. “Layla” was released in 1971 as a single and it charted at #51 on the U.S. Billboard 100 and within the Top 20 internationally.

The cover for the album was painted by French artist Frandsen De Schonberg. The band was staying with his son Emile during this time. The story behind “Layla” to explain the urgent desire and yearing is that it’s about Clapton’s unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of George Harrison. Nothing like letting the whole world know…

On the track were Eric Clapton (vocals, guitar), Bobby Whitlock (Hammond organ, harmony vocals), Carl Radle (bass and percussion), and Jim Gordon (drums, tabla). Duane Allman has not joined them yet for “Bell Bottom Blues,” but he is other tracks on that album, including “Layla.”

Here are the lyrics to “Layla” by Derek and The Dominos:

What’ll you do when you get lonely
But nobody’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
I’m begging, darling, please
Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?

I tried to give you consolation
When your old man had 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
I’m begging, darling, please
Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?

Let’s make the best of the situation
Before I finally go insane
Please don’t say we’ll never find a way
And tell me all my love’s in vain

Layla
You’ve got me on my knees
Layla
I’m begging, darling, please
Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?
Layla
You’ve got me on my knees
Layla
I’m begging, darling, please
Layla
Darling, won’t you ease my worried mind?
For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You’re welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you liked “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos.

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