Tammy Wynette’s Heart-Wrenching Ballad: “Almost Persuaded”
Tammy Wynette, a name synonymous with country music’s golden era, has left an indelible mark on the genre with her soulful voice and poignant lyrics. One of her most enduring hits, “Almost Persuaded”, is a timeless ballad that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.
Released in 1967, “Almost Persuaded” was written by Billy Sherrill and Glenn Sutton. This powerful duet was originally recorded by David Houston, but it was Wynette’s rendition that truly captured the hearts of millions. Her ability to convey raw emotion and vulnerability made the song an instant classic.
Background
The song tells the story of a woman torn between her love for a married man and her desire to do what’s right. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a heart caught in a tug-of-war between passion and morality. Wynette’s voice, filled with both longing and resignation, perfectly captures the character’s internal conflict. The line, “I’m almost persuaded to run off with you, love,” is a poignant reminder of the power of love to cloud judgment.
Why “Almost Persuaded” Stands the Test of Time
- Relatable Themes: The themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships are universal. This song taps into the emotional core of listeners, making it relatable to people from all walks of life.
- Wynette’s Emotional Delivery: Tammy Wynette was a master of conveying raw emotion through her music. Her voice, with its distinctive vibrato, added depth and authenticity to the song.
- The Power of a Great Duet: The duet format, with Wynette’s vocals paired with a male counterpart, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. It creates a sense of tension and drama, heightening the emotional impact of the song.
- Timeless Melody: The melody of “Almost Persuaded” is both catchy and memorable. It’s a classic country tune that has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Last night all alone in a barroomMet a girl with a drink in her hand.She had ruby red lips, coal black hairAnd eyes that would tempt any man.Then she came and sat down at my table,And as she placed her soft hands in mine,I found myself wanting to kiss herFor temptation was flowing like wine.And I was almost persuaded to strip myself of my pride.Almost persuaded to push my conscience aside.Then we danced and she whispered, “I need you!”“Take me away from here and be my man.”Then I looked into her eyes and I saw it:The reflection of my wedding band.And I was almost persuaded to let strange lips lead me on.Almost persuaded but your sweet love made me stop and go home.Last night all alone in a barroomMet a guy with a drink in his hand.He had bay blue eyes, coal black hairAnd a smile that a girl understands.Then he came and sat down at my table,And as he placed his hands over mine,I found my self wanting to kiss himFor temptation was flowing like wine.And I was almost persuaded to strip myself of my pride.Almost persuaded to push my conscience aside.Then we danced and he whispered, “I need you!”“Let me take you away and be your man.”Then I looked into his eyes and I saw it:The reflection of my wedding band.And I was almost persuaded to let strange lips lead me on.Almost persuaded but your sweet love made me stop and go home.