Layla

Eric Clapton, Derek & the Dominos

About Layla

"Layla" (Persian: لیلا‎) is a song written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, originally released by their blues rock band Derek and the Dominos, as the thirteenth track from their only studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (November 1970). Its contrasting movements were reportedly composed separately by Clapton and Gordon. The piano part has also been controversially credited to Rita Coolidge, Gordon's girlfriend at the time. The song was inspired by a love story that originated in 7th-century Arabia and later formed the basis of The Story of Layla and Majnun by the 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, a copy of which Ian Dallas had given to Clapton. The book moved Clapton profoundly, because it was the tale of a young man who fell hopelessly in love with a beautiful young girl, went crazy and so could not marry her. The song was further inspired by Clapton's then-unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend and fellow musician George Harrison of the Beatles. Clapton and Boyd would eventually marry. 


Year:
1982
7:06
480 
#2

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What'll you do when you get lonely
And 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
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 I'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

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Eric Clapton

Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945) is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. Clapton ranked second in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and fourth in Gibson's Top 50 Guitarists of All Time. more »

19 fans

Written by: Eric Patrick Clapton, Jim Gordon

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Song Composition and Release
"Layla" is a song by English rock musician Eric Clapton and is the title track on the Derek and the Dominos' album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs", released in 1970.
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by a love story that originated in seventh-century Arabia and later formed the basis of "The Story of Layla and Majnun" by the Persian poet, Nizami Ganjavi, a copy of which Ian Dallas had given to Eric Clapton.
Personal Connection
The love story made a deep impression on Clapton. He based the song's lyrics on his unrequited feelings for Pattie Boyd, then wife of his friend George Harrison of the Beatles.
Iconic Guitar Riff
The iconic guitar riff in "Layla" was contributed by Clapton's band member, Duane Allman.
Genre and Style
While the song starts off as a blues rock jam, it transitions midway into a long piano and slide guitar coda, giving it a unique style.
Commercial Reception
Though "Layla" initially did not attain strong sales or radio play, it gained great popularity and critical acclaim over time and came to be regarded as one of rock music's classic tracks.
Acoustic Version
Clapton released an acoustic rendition of the song in 1992 on the album "Unplugged". This version earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
Chart success
The original version peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, whereas the slower acoustic rendition from "Unplugged" reached number 12.
Hall of Fame
"Layla" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1993.
Cultural Impact
The song has been covered by a variety of artists over the years, and continues to be celebrated in popular culture for its emotional intensity and influential guitar work.
Recognition
In 2004, "Layla" was ranked number 27 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Song Authorship
Despite Allman's significant contribution to the song, Clapton and Jim Gordon are officially credited as the songwriters. Gordon wrote the piano coda.
Movie Appearances
"Layla" has been used in movie soundtracks, most notably in Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas".

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    Layla

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1992

    Billboard #12


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