James Taylor – Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight

Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight - Songs of Comfort by James Taylor

About the song

James Taylor is an American singer-songwriter who has been a major figure in popular music since the early 1970s. His music is known for its introspective lyrics and his warm, expressive voice. Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is one of Taylor’s most popular songs, and it has been covered by many artists.

The song was released in 1972 on Taylor’s album One Man Dog. It was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has also been praised by critics, with Rolling Stone calling it “a beautiful ballad” and AllMusic describing it as “a stunning example of Taylor’s songwriting talent.”

Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is a love song about the fear of being alone. The song’s narrator is in a relationship that is falling apart, and he is begging his partner not to leave him. The song is full of raw emotion, and Taylor’s vocals are particularly moving.

The song’s lyrics are simple but effective. They capture the pain and desperation of someone who is facing the prospect of being alone. The song’s melody is also beautiful, and it perfectly complements the lyrics.

Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is a classic love song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that anyone who has ever been in love can relate to. The song is a reminder that even though love can be painful, it is still worth the risk.

Isolating some key elements of the song:

  • Genre: Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is a country-folk ballad. It features Taylor’s acoustic guitar playing and his warm, expressive vocals. The song is also notable for its use of pedal steel guitar, which is a common instrument in country music.

  • Theme: The theme of Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is the fear of being alone. The song’s narrator is in a relationship that is falling apart, and he is begging his partner not to leave him. The song is full of raw emotion, and Taylor’s vocals are particularly moving.

  • Structure: Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is a relatively simple song in terms of its structure. It consists of three verses, a chorus, and a bridge. The verses tell the story of the song’s narrator, and the chorus expresses his fear of being alone. The bridge is a moment of reflection, and it leads into the final chorus.

  • Significance: Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is one of James Taylor’s most popular songs. It has been covered by many artists, and it is a staple of classic rock radio. The song is a reminder that even though love can be painful, it is still worth the risk.

Video

Lyrics

“Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight”

 

Do me wrong, do me right. Tell me lies but hold me tight.
Save your good-byes for the morning light, but don’t let me be lonely tonight.Say goodbye and say hello. Sure enough good to see you, but it’s time to go.
Don’t say yes but please don’t say no, I don’t want to be lonely tonight.

Go away then, damn you, go on and do as you please,
You ain’t gonna see me getting down on my knees.
I’m undecided, and your heart’s been divided, you’ve been turning my world upside down.

Do me wrong, do me right, right now, baby. Go on and tell me lies but hold me tight.
Save your good-byes for the morning light, morning light,
but don’t let me be lonely tonight.
I don’t want to be lonely tonight, no, no, I don’t want to be lonely tonight.

I don’t want to be lonely tonight.