For the love of rock
Vol III, Issue 20 – Lady blue (15 Oct 2018)
www.intheloveofrock.com
Name of song– Lady blue
Singer – Leon Russel
Album- Will O’ The Wisp
Writer– Leon Russel
Release year– 1975
Peak chart positions
# 14 – Billboard Hot 100 Singles chart
Lady blue
Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
“Leon Russell” is an American musician and songwriter who is considered one of the most prolific writers as well as most talented artists in the music history. He had been associated with numerous artists from The Beach Boys to Joe Cocker, from Eric Clapton to Bob Dylan, from The Ventures to Ray Charles, from Frank Sinatra to The Rolling Stones and from George Harrison to Dave Mason. Elton John considered him his mentor and inspiration. And at the same time, he also had a successful solo career. His song “A song for you” has been recorded by more than 200 artists and another of his song “This masquerade” has been recorded by more than 75 artists. Basically a session artist, he has been an influential figure in all the genres of music.
He had been steadily associated with numerous musicians and produced numerous albums in his career, till his demise in 2016 at the age of 74. “Will O’ the Wisp” is his sixth studio album and one of the most notable albums produced in 1975. It was certified gold in 1976 and peaked at no. 30 in Billboard album charts, remaining on the charts for 40 weeks. “Lady blue” is the hit single from this album and is considered one of the his best songs.
“Lady blue” is a song, as pure as diamond and as clear as crystal. A pensive and beautiful ballad, it never fails to mesmerize the listener with simple poetry, clear composition and Leon’s wonderfully soulful voice. The song begins slowly with melodious synthesizer and Japanese flute, with soft drums and bass in the background. The unsurpassable, passionate and eccentric voice of Leon Russell definitely is the hallmark of the song. It is a romantic ballad, in direct and straight forwards lyrics, describing the commitment and loyalty in an emotional love affair. There is a hauntingly beautiful saxophone solo in the middle of the song after the second verse. The song slowly fades in the end with fine saxophone playing in the background.
Yes, “Leon Russell” may not have received the name and fame which he deserves but his contribution to the music world just can’t be under emphasized. With numerous hits to his credit, “Lady blue” is perhaps one of the most famous amongst them all. If you listen to “Lady blue” once, you shall instantly fall in love with it and always be blue!!
Happy listening!!
Resources– Wikipedia.org, Allmusic.com
Lady blue
Well you’re showing me a different side
Even asked if the flame has died
You’re getting used to me baby
But you just wait and see lady
‘Cause I’ve been in love before
And I love you a whole lot more
If you want it to be real good to you
When I’m layin’ here making love to you
Listen real close to me lady
I want to get it straight right now oh baby
‘Cause I’m lovin’ you more and more and more
Lady blue
Sad baby, blue lady sing me your love song
I just want you to know
That I love you more and more and more and more
So if you want it to be real good to you
When I’m layin’ here makin’ love to you
Listen real close to me baby
You just wait and see lady
I’ve got a whole lot of love to give you
I’ve got a whole life to spend if you’ll just let me
Sing a sweet love songs
Lady blue, oh sing a love song
Lady blue
Lyrics link- https://genius.com/Leon-russell-lady-blue-lyrics
Video link – https://youtu.be/SpZItMUsRXE