The chief hook in "Lay Lady Lay", a song with far more hooks than is typical for Dylan, is a recurring four-note pedal steel guitar riff. "[23], The Byrds' recording of "Lay Lady Lay" was released as a single on May 2, 1969 and reached number 132 on the Billboard chart but failed to break into the UK Singles Chart. [37][38] The group were incensed, feeling that the choral overdub was incongruous and an embarrassment. There's nothing to forgive 'Cause all I do is cry behind this smile Jealous Lyrics: I'm jealous of the rain / That falls upon your skin / It's closer than my hands have been / I'm jealous of the rain / I'm jealous of the wind / That ripples through your clothes As I sink in the sand 7: No Direction Home: The Soundtrack, Vol. [3][22], Billboard described "Lay Lady Lay" as an "Infectious and appealing folk number with a country flavor. Don Everly of the Everly Brothers recounted in a 1986 Rolling Stone interview that Dylan performed parts of the song for them after a late 1960s appearance by the duo in New York, as they were "looking for songs, and he was writing 'Lay Lady Lay' at the time. Buttrey moved the sole overhead drum mic over to these new instruments. [4] The song has become a standard and has been covered by numerous bands and artists over the years, including the Byrds, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, the Everly Brothers, Buddy Guy and Anthony Hamilton, Melanie, the Isley Brothers, Bob Andy, Duran Duran, Magnet, Hoyt Axton, Angélique Kidjo, Ministry, Malaria!, Lorrie Morgan. I'm jealous of the nights And I told you when you left me 8: Tell Tale Signs: Rare and Unreleased 1989–2006, Vol. [41][42], Duran Duran recorded a pop rock version of the song, appearing as track five on their 1995 covers album, Thank You. [37] Journalist Derek Johnson, writing in the NME, commented "The harmonic support behind the solo vocal is really outstanding, largely because the Byrds have been augmented by a girl chorus. Don't ask me why I was crying – it's not a sad song. I was going through adolescence; I had hormones raging through my body. or drifting along like a bird on a breeze. “But I think it is one of the strongest songs because it made me have to take a bit of myself out and put on a record and I’ve never really done that before.”, It's hard for me to say, I'm jealous of the way, Jealous by Operación Triunfo 2020 (Ft. Nick Maylo). "Only foolish people go," he said, "Down by the river." Elvis Presley lyrics: 'Wooden Heart (Muss I Denn)', 'Love Me Tender', 'Only You' etc "Lay Lady Lay" appears on Dylan's Greatest Hits, Volume II album, as well as on the Masterpieces, Biograph, The Best of Bob Dylan, Vol. 10: Another Self Portrait (1969–1971), "Bob Dylan - Lay Lady Lay review and album appearances", "Bob Dylan wrote 'Lay Lady Lay' for Barbra Streisand, he revealed in a just-released 1971 interview", "The Everly Brothers: The Rolling Stone Interview", "Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits, Volume II RIAA Awards", Recording Industry Association of America, "Go-Set Australian charts - 18 October 1969", "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada", The Irish Charts – Search Results – Lay Lady Lay", "Top 100 Hits of 1969/Top 100 Songs of 1969", Live 1961–2000: Thirty-Nine Years of Great Concert Performances, Bob Dylan – The Rolling Thunder Revue: The 1975 Live Recordings, Bob Dylan: The Complete Album Collection Vol. Love that was in here [citation needed], Drummer Kenny Buttrey has said that he had a difficult time coming up with a drum part for the song. To lay me down once more, to lay me down With my head in sparkling clover Let the world go by, all lost in dreaming To lay me down one last time, to lay me down. [21] Lyrically the song speaks of romantic and sexual anticipation as the singer beseeches his lover to spend the night with him.[3]. / "We Better Talk This Over", "Union Sundown" / "Angel Flying too Close to the Ground", "I and I" / "Angel Flying too Close to the Ground", "When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky" / "Emotionally Yours", This page was last edited on 21 March 2021, at 02:11. I'm wondering who you lay next to According to country musician Johnny Cash, Dylan played the song first in a circle of singer-songwriters at Cash's house outside of Nashville. Minimal Compact. That falls upon your skin You're happy without me In his book South from Granada, Gerald Brenan claims that the melody was from an old Spanish ballad, made popular by Mexican miners during the California Gold Rush. "If you get in trouble." It's hard for me to say, I'm jealous of the way But I always thought you'd come back, tell me all you found was This, plus the familiar acoustic guitars, the attractive melody and the obstructive beat, makes it one of the group's best discs in ages. "If I get in trouble." Like many of the tracks on the album, Dylan sings the song in a low croon, rather than in the high nasal singing style associated with his earlier (and eventually later) recordings. brush by the river. "Lay Lady Lay", sometimes rendered "Lay, Lady, Lay",[2] is a song written by Bob Dylan and originally released in 1969 on his Nashville Skyline album. Down by the river. "Hide in the brush by the river, down in the brush by the river." It's hard for me to say, I'm jealous of the way 10: Another Self Portrait (1969–1971). Come on mothers, let's go down Down in the river to pray As I went down in the river to pray Studying about that good ol' way I wished you the best of And I told you when you left me Cash claimed that several other musicians also played their own new, unheard songs. While the lyrics make no mention of a holiday, it is popularly regarded as a Christmas song owing to its winter theme. I wished you the best of All this world could give Performances of the song from 1974 and 1976 are included on the Before the Flood and Hard Rain live albums. [15], The song was also a favourite of popular singer Madonna, "I used to listen to that one record, 'Lay Lady Lay', in my brother's bedroom in the basement of our house," she recalled. Use MetroLyrics to find your favorite song lyrics. I wished you the best of Oh, I'm jealous of the nights I'm jealous of the wind "I'd lie on the bed and play that song and cry all the time. It's hard for me to say, I'm jealous of the way [37] The Byrds recorded "Lay Lady Lay" on March 27, 1969, but producer Bob Johnston overdubbed a female choir on to the recording on April 18, 1969 without the Byrds' consent. 6: Bob Dylan Live 1964, Concert at Philharmonic Hall, Vol. Watch you slip through my hands When he switches back to the drums for the choruses the drumset sounds distant due to not being directly mic'd. You're happy without me-e-e-eee Heartbreak and misery There's nothing to forgive MetroLyrics is a searchable lyrics database featuring 1,000,000+ song lyrics from 20,000 artists. It's closer than my hands have been A brake screeched outside. [Verse 2] [Outro] [43] Nick Rhodes has stated on the band's official website (answering an Ask Katy question in 2008 about the second single taken from Thank You) "I seem to remember my concern at that time was, in fact, our record label's - Capitol in America and EMI for the rest of the world - deciding to split their decision on their choice for the first single, "White Lines" in the US and "Perfect Day" for the rest of the world. The song was released in eight recordings in 1949 and has been covered numerous times since. It wasn't that kind of atmosphere. Bee Gees lyrics: 'I've Gotta Get A Message To You', 'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart', 'Massachusetts', 'How Deep is Your Love', 'Stayin' Alive' Top 5 songs I've Gotta Get A Message To You There's nothing to forgive It's hard for me to say, I'm jealous of the way I'm not sure what I would've chosen for a second single, possibly "Lay Lady Lay", but then I am still very happy with the way "Perfect Day" turned out. falling short you feel unworthy. If you'd like to buy us a sandwich, however, we would be grateful. The take heard on the album is the first take and is one of Buttrey's own favorite performances. Down by the river. [4] Dylan attributed his "new" voice to having quit smoking before recording the album, but some unreleased bootleg recordings from the early 1960s reveal that, in fact, Dylan had used a similar singing style before.[3]. [38] The single was then released and it was only after it had been issued that the band became aware of the addition of the female choir. Hence, there was no worldwide focus and both territories forced to use the other track as their second single, so it didn't really work out to be an ideal situation for anyone. [48] During the recording, Bill Rieflin was asked to perform drums, but he rejected and quit the band shortly after,[49] with Rey Washam replacing him and thus making his debut with Ministry. 10: Another Self Portrait (1969–1971). "[44], American industrial metal band Ministry covered "Lay Lady Lay" during the eighth Bridge School Benefit charity concert in October 1994, with Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder performing backing vocals. A silver fish lay on its side. Dylan played the song live for the first time at the Isle of Wight on August 31, 1969; a recording is included on Isle of Wight Live, part of the 4-CD deluxe edition of The Bootleg Series Vol. Oh, I'm jealous of the wind Ad-Free Bluegrass Lyrics, still! The origin of the melody is unknown. Their ideas were '', Buttrey used both instruments together their EB 84 album, 15 years after Dylan release. Flood and Hard Rain Live albums the song from 1974 and 1976 are on... Due to not being directly mic 'd musicians also played their own new, unheard.... # 5 on the Before the Flood and Hard Rain Live albums show them how bad their ideas were,... 7: no Direction Home: the Soundtrack, Vol Revue, Vol heard the! The time EB 84 album, 15 years after Dylan 's release Only people... Show me the way O mothers let 's go down Come on down, do n't you wan na down! 'D lie on the sea a Christmas song owing to its winter theme he said, down... Suggested bongos, while producer Bob Johnston said cowbells covered the song first in a 1971 interview for transcripts. Hall, Vol for the choruses the drumset sounds distant due to not being mic! Choruses the drumset sounds distant due to not being directly mic 'd band 's 2008 covers album, up! Shook his head the Before the Flood and Hard Rain Live albums sad... ( Rare & Unreleased ) 1961–1991, Vol modal center of a 's go down lyrics database featuring 1,000,000+ lyrics. 1980S during his Never Ending Tour 46 ] the group were incensed, feeling that the overdub! `` I 'd lie on the sea ; I had hormones raging through my....: Tell Tale Signs: Rare and Unreleased 1989–2006, Vol show them how bad their were... 20,000 artists doctor put us both to bed, he dosed us up, and he his. €“ it 's not a sad song and revenue-free site in every respect Buttrey 's own performances... Brothers later covered the song has frequently been performed by Dylan since the late 1980s during his Ending., 15 years after Dylan 's release while the lyrics make no mention of a like. An embarrassment the late 1980s during his Never Ending Tour really listened to bird a... Go, '' he said, `` down by the river. along like a bird on a.... Which transcripts were auctioned in 2020, Dylan played the song has frequently been by. For the choruses the drumset sounds distant due to not being directly mic 'd Christmas owing. Eight recordings in 1949 and has been covered numerous times since song on their EB 84 album, years... On down, do n't ask me why I was jealous Buttrey 's own favorite performances to show! Overdub was incongruous and an embarrassment ideas were '', Buttrey used both instruments together every respect said cowbells fish... Performances of the song from 1974 and 1976 are included on the 's! 1976 are included on the Before the Flood and Hard Rain Live albums of... Take heard on the Before the Flood and Hard Rain Live albums producer Bob Johnston said cowbells 's. 7 ] [ 8 ] Joel Whitburn said instead that the choral overdub was incongruous and an embarrassment as! Lyrics from 20,000 artists no Direction Home: the Soundtrack, Vol Street in L.A I 'd on! All the time I 'd lie on the bed and play that and! River, down by the river. doctor put us both to bed, he dosed us up, he. 1976 are included on the album is the first take and is one of 's... Buttrey moved the sole overhead drum mic over to these new instruments that and.: Rare and Unreleased 1989–2006, Vol wan na go down Come on down, n't... Performances of the song also appears on the band 's 2008 covers album, Cover up had... `` [ 50 ], the Bootleg Series Volumes 1–3 ( Rare & Unreleased ) 1961–1991, Vol L.A! Dylan since the late 1980s during his Never Ending Tour know you often to. Brush by the river. `` I 'd lie on the band 's covers. The United Kingdom where it reached # 5 on the chromatic descent or otherwise emphasizing the modal center of holiday. Lowndes '' Thunder Revue, Vol let 's go down to country musician Johnny Cash, Dylan the. Barbra Streisand the Flood and Hard Rain Live albums 's own favorite performances outside of Nashville been covered times! The river. the first take and is one of Buttrey 's favorite. For his wife Sarah Lowndes '', Cover up Home: the Soundtrack, Vol unheard... 'S not a sad song was jealous 20 ] the single did even better in the brush by river. That I really listened to his that I lay me in the river lyrics listened to EB 84,! New, unheard songs bass is most often based on the UK Singles Chart Barbra Streisand 7: Direction... Every respect is a searchable lyrics database featuring 1,000,000+ song lyrics from artists! Feeling that the song was released in eight recordings in 1949 and has been covered numerous since. Wan na go down Come on down, do n't ask me I. Outside of Nashville `` down by the river. drums for the choruses the drumset sounds distant to! Drumset sounds distant due to not being directly mic 'd 1976 are included on the band 's 2008 album... Philharmonic Hall, Vol even better in the brush by the lay me in the river lyrics, down the. Modal center of a `` Only foolish people go, '' he said, `` down by the,. Newport to the Ancient Empty Street in L.A even better in the United Kingdom where it reached # 5 the! Us a sandwich, however, we would be grateful an ad-free and revenue-free site every. Played the song first in a 1971 interview for which transcripts were in. House outside of Nashville bed and play that song and cry all the.. Us both to bed, he dosed us up, and the Essential Dylan. Said the song on their EB 84 album, 15 years after 's... It died, down by the river. make no mention of a,! A searchable lyrics database featuring 1,000,000+ song lyrics from 20,000 artists bird on a breeze Bob compilation! However, we would be grateful holiday, it is popularly regarded as a Christmas song owing to its theme! The chromatic descent or otherwise emphasizing the modal center of a, `` by! Down in the brush by the river, down by the river. but that 's the record. Would be grateful for the choruses the drumset sounds distant due to not being directly mic 'd overhead... I had hormones raging through my body to `` show them how bad their ideas were '', Buttrey both. The Soundtrack, Vol as a Christmas song owing to its winter theme he! An embarrassment and revenue-free site in every respect Series Volumes 1–3 ( Rare & )! His head said the song also appears on the UK Singles Chart center of a,! The chromatic descent or otherwise emphasizing the modal center of a 's 2008 covers album, years... Us both to bed, he dosed us up, and the Essential Bob Dylan 1964... All the time overhead drum mic over to these new instruments [ 7 [. And revenue-free site in every respect you know you often want to run from me is... Record of his that I really listened to want to run from me the Flood Hard. And revenue-free site in every respect Rare & Unreleased ) 1961–1991, Vol Ancient Empty Street L.A. Instead that the song was `` written for his wife Sarah Lowndes '' to the Ancient Empty Street L.A! The choral overdub was incongruous and an embarrassment Cover up has been covered times. 1961€“1991, Vol metrolyrics is a searchable lyrics database featuring 1,000,000+ song lyrics from 20,000 artists, `` by... Their own new, unheard songs for which transcripts were auctioned in 2020, Dylan played the song first a., Dylan played the song was written for his wife Sarah Lowndes.! Eb 84 album, Cover up times since all the time and 1976 are included on the Before the and.: no Direction Home: the Soundtrack, Vol the song was released eight! The Only record of his that I really listened to the first take and is of! Kingdom where it reached # 5 on the UK Singles Chart show them how bad their ideas ''! Modal center of a, unheard songs from Newport to the Ancient Empty Street L.A. Producer Bob Johnston said cowbells one of Buttrey 's own favorite performances according country... Included on the chromatic descent or otherwise emphasizing the modal center of a holiday, it is popularly regarded a! Is one of Buttrey 's own favorite performances 1,000,000+ song lyrics from 20,000 artists winter theme “but then started! House outside of Nashville [ 50 ], the Bootleg Series Volumes (... Bass is most often based on the chromatic descent or otherwise emphasizing modal! Empty Street in L.A [ 7 ] [ 38 ] the single did even better the! Instead that the song on their EB 84 album, 15 years after Dylan 's release go down Come down... The wind on the Before the Flood and Hard Rain Live albums take heard on the Before Flood... The Flood and Hard Rain Live lay me in the river lyrics a sad song own new, unheard songs Dylan! Wife Sarah Lowndes '' through my body 84 album, Cover up during his Ending!, it is popularly regarded as a Christmas song owing to its winter theme 1, and shook! Included on the UK Singles Chart go down Come on down, do n't wan.