Eric Clapton’s Lay Down Sally

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Eric Clapton’s Lay Down Sally

Eric Clapton's Lay Down Sally

Country Rock

The song was written by Eric Clapton, Marcella Detroit (credited as Marcy Levy), and George Terry. It was written in the style of J. J. Cale, one of Clapton’s favorite songwriters.  Clapton has said that “it’s as close as I can get, being English…” The song was released on Clapton’s 1977 album Slowhand as well as a single, backed with “Cocaine,” which was written by J. J. Cale.  Marcy Levy was one of Clapton’s backup  singers. She had toured with Bob Seger before joining with Clapton in 1973. Guitarist George Terry was a member of Clapton’s band.

“Lay Down Sally” charted very well. It went to #3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and crossed over to the U.S. Billboard Country Songs at #26. It was also #25 on the U.S. Adult Contemporary chart. In Canada, it was #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart and #3 on the Singles chart. It was in the Top 40 in France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, and Sweden. The song received gold certification in Canada, Japan, new Zealand, the U.K., and the U.S.

On the track were Eric Clapton (electric guitars, vocals), Marcella Detroit (vocals), Yvonne Elliman (vocals), George Terry (electric guitar), Carl Radle (electric bass), Dick Sims (electric piano), and Jamie Oldaker (drums). Clapton continues to tour and perform.

Here are the lyrics to “Lay Down Sally” by Eric Clapton:

There is nothing that is wrong
In wanting you to stay here with me
I know you’ve got somewhere to go
But won’t you make yourself at home and stay with me?
And don’t you ever leave

Lay down, Sally, and rest you in my arms
Don’t you think you want someone to talk to?
Lay down, Sally, no need to leave so soon
I’ve been trying all night long just to talk to you

The sun ain’t nearly on the rise
And we still got the moon and stars above
Underneath the velvet skies
Love is all that matters
Won’t you stay with me?
And don’t you ever leave

Lay down, Sally, and rest you in my arms
Don’t you think you want someone to talk to?
Lay down, Sally, no need to leave so soon
I’ve been trying all night long just to talk to you

I long to see the morning light
Coloring your face so dreamily
So don’t you go and say goodbye
You can lay your worries down and stay with me
And don’t you ever leave

Lay down, Sally, and rest you in my arms
Don’t you think you want someone to talk to?
Lay down, Sally, no need to leave so soon
I’ve been trying all night long just to talk to you

Lay down, Sally, and rest you in my arms
Don’t you think you want someone to talk to?
Lay down, Sally, no need to leave so soon
I’ve been trying all night long just to talk to you

For songs by Derek and the Dominos: “Layla” and “Bell Bottom Blues.” For songs by Cream: “Sunshine of Your Love” and “I Feel Free.”

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 enjoyed “Lay Down Sally” by Eric Clapton.

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