Conway Twitty’s “Slow Hand”: A Countrypolitan Rendition of R&B Smoothness
In the landscape of country music, Conway Twitty stands as a towering figure. His rich baritone voice and poignant storytelling have captivated audiences for decades, solidifying his place in the genre’s hall of fame.
Among his vast collection of hits, one song stands out for its unique blend of countrypolitan charm and smooth R&B inspiration: “Slow Hand.”
Background
Released in 1982 on Elektra Records, “Slow Hand” marked a significant turning point in Twitty’s career. After a long tenure with Decca Records and its successor MCA, he shifted gears, seeking a fresh sound that resonated with the evolving country music landscape. This decision led him to Elektra, a label known for its diverse roster of artists, and ultimately to “Slow Hand.”
The song itself was not an original composition by Twitty. It was a cover of a hit by The Pointer Sisters, a popular R&B group, released in 1981. The Pointer Sisters’ version was a sultry ballad, a woman’s perspective yearning for a lover’s touch. However, songwriter John Bettis and Michael Clark adapted the lyrics for “Slow Hand” to suit a male protagonist’s voice. This clever adaptation, along with Twitty’s masterful delivery, transformed the song into a country classic.
The narrative of “Slow Hand” follows a lovesick man yearning for the affection of his partner. Twitty’s vocals, imbued with a raw emotion that resonates with listeners, convey the protagonist’s longing for a gentle touch. The lyrics, though slightly modified from the original, capture the universal themes of love and desire.
The arrangement of “Slow Hand” is where the countrypolitan magic truly unfolds. While retaining the core melody and smooth rhythm section of the Pointer Sisters’ version, the addition of pedal steel guitar and a more prominent role for the backing vocals creates a distinct country feel. This masterful blend of genres allows the song to bridge the gap between R&B and country, appealing to a wider audience.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
As the midnight moon was drifting throughThe lazy sway of the treesI saw the look in your eyes looking into the nightNot seeing what you wanted to seeDarling, don’t say a word I’ve already heardWhat your body is saying to mineYou’re tired of fast movesYou got a slow groove on your mindYou want a man with a slow handYou want a lover with an easy touchYou want somebody who will spend some timeNot come and go in a heated rushBaby, believe me I understandWhen it comes to love you want a slow handMoon shadowed ground with no one aroundAnd a blanket of stars in our eyesHey, we’re drifting free like two lostiesOn the crazy wind of the nightDarling don’t say a word I’ve already heardWhat your body is saying to mineIf you want all night you know it’s alrightI’ve got timeYou’ve got a man with a slow handYou’ve got a lover with an easy touchYou’ve got somebody who will spend some timeNot come and go in a heated rushBaby, believe me I understandWhen it comes to love you want a slow handYou want a lover with an easy touchYou’ve got somebody who will spend some time with you, babyNot come and go in a heated rushBaby, believe me I understand