Conway Twitty invariably comes to mind when thinking about country music legends. Among these hit singles is a poignant piece of work titled “As Soon As I Hang Up the Phone,” released in 1974 in collaboration with fellow country music queen Loretta Lynn.
This song, often celebrated for its emotional depth, encapsulates the complexities of love and relationship dynamics through its lyrics. The concept is as relatable as it is profound; the protagonist, after a heartfelt conversation, reflects upon the vulnerability and yearning that often accompany love.
As listeners, we find ourselves participating in that introspection. The seamless combination of Twitty’s rich baritone and Lynn’s powerful yet tender voice elevates the song, creating a harmonious balance that is characteristic of their collaborations.
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A Masterful Duet
The synergy between Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn cannot be overstated; they had a remarkable ability to convey stories that resonated deeply with their audience. Their personal and professional affinity for each other shines through in “As Soon As I Hang Up the Phone.”
Twitty was no stranger to themes of heartbreak and longing; his ability to transform raw emotion into song was a key factor in his lasting appeal. This track emerges as a quintessential example of their artistic connection.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that this song reflects the era’s musical landscape. The mid-1970s saw a burgeoning interest in collaborative duet performances within country music. While many artists experimented with partnerships, few delivered the level of chemistry that Twitty and Lynn presented.
Their duet not only topped the charts, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart but also further solidified their status as one of country music’s most beloved duos.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
Throughout his career, Conway Twitty would go on to achieve an astounding fifty number-one hits, but “As Soon As I Hang Up the Phone” remains one of the gems in his extensive catalog. The song’s legacy is not limited to its initial release; it continues to find a place in the hearts of fans, often featured in playlists dedicated to classic country music.
Listeners appreciate the authenticity, the raw emotions intertwined with expertly crafted melodies. Even decades later, the song resonates with those who have experienced similar moments of love and longing.
Twitty and Lynn exemplified the timelessness of country music storytelling by delivering relatable narratives through music. The essence of “As Soon As I Hang Up the Phone” endures, showcasing why Conway Twitty remains iconic in country music history.
In exploring this captivating duet, one is reminded of the power of music to transcend time, and Conway Twitty’s legacy as a masterful storyteller continues to inspire new generations of fans.
Video
Lyrics
[Loretta, spoken:]
Hello
[Conway, spoken:]
Hello Loretta
[Loretta:]
Darlin’, I knew it was you
[Conway, spoken:]
Loretta, there’s something I just got to tell ya…
[Loretta:]
Oh, please, tell me what to do
[Conway, spoken:]
I don’t…really know how to say this…but I wanna tell ya that I…
[Loretta:]
You gave me the will to go on
As soon as I picked up the phone
[Conway, spoken:]
No…no, you don’t understand Loretta. I’m tryin’ to tell you that I…
[Loretta:]
The talk is around that we’re through
[Conway, spoken:]
Yeah, I know…I’ve heard it too…
[Loretta:]
Oh, darlin’, tell me what to do
[Conway, spoken:]
But that’s just it, that’s what I’m tryin’ to tell ya…I wanna tell ya that I…
[Loretta:]
I knew you’d tell me they were wrong
As soon as I picked up the phone
[Conway, spoken:]
Ah, but it is true…they’re not wrong…
[Loretta:]
Oh no
[Conway, spoken:]
I’m sorry Loretta
[Loretta:]
Oh no…I can’t believe that it’s true
[Conway, spoken:]
I’m sorry Loretta…I’m really, really sorry
[Loretta:]
Oh no, oh no
I can’t believe that we’re through
[Conway, spoken:]
I know you know that I…I never thought it would come to this, but…
[Loretta:]
You tell me it’s over and done
[Conway, spoken:]
I really thought that I loved ya…and you know that
[Loretta:]
You say that you’ve had all your fun
[Conway, spoken:]
And you just got to believe me that I never meant to hurt you
[Loretta, voice intermingled with Conway’s:]
But I can’t believe you’ll be gone
As soon as I hang up the phone
[Conway, spoken, voice intermingled with Loretta’s:]
This is the hardest thing that I’ve ever had to do…and it hurts me too
[Conway, spoken:]
Yeah I’ll be gone
[Loretta:]
As soon as I hang up the phone
[Conway, spoken:]
Goodbye Loretta
