Layla

It's been awhile since I've mentioned anything controversial on here, so here's my most recent thought: the song "Layla" as performed by Eric Clapton (the "Derek and the Dominoes" version) is quite possibly one of the best - if not the best - rock songs ever.

First, the lyrics. Given that they're pretty succinct, here they are:

"What'll you do when you get lonely
And nobody's waiting by your side?
You've been running and hiding much too long.
You know it's just your foolish pride.

Layla, you've got me on my knees.
Layla, I'm begging, darling please.
Layla, darling won't you ease my worried mind.

I tried to give you consolation
When your old man had let you down.
Like a fool, I fell in love with you,
Turned my whole world upside down.

Let's make the best of the situation
Before I finally go insane.
Please don't say we'll never find a way
And tell me all my love's in vain."

These verses boast two remarkable traits. First, they manage to convey just the right amount of jagged emotion without overemphasizing the point. These are some terse, heartfelt statements made by a man who is willing to bare his soul without sacrificing his pride. He is the unfortunate victim of unrequited love, but unlike most, he is not willing to be made inferior to his lover and her choices. Second, the lines scan beautifully. The chorus rests on the tried-and-true iambic tetrameter scheme to present its no-frills plea for affection. Eric Clapton's performance here is crucial - so many artists tend to abuse the lyrical quality of iambs into empty, meaningless, bubble-gum phrases. He performs flawlessly, though. The verses use a rhythm scheme that is complex enough to contrast nicely with the chorus without becoming arduous.

Moving onto the music itself. There's little I can say about its mechanics that isn't already mentioned in the Wikipedia article dedicated to this song. I will mention, however, the amazing progression that occurs as the song wends, meanders, and paces itself to its finish. Anyone who really stops to listen can actually HEAR the oh-so-familiar emotional process that so many people experience. I love how the wailing never really goes away; it just changes intensity as his inner dialogue argues, begs, and waits. It seems to represent, in some sense, the wild, impulsive, passionate side of human nature that will almost always flail against the card dealt it by fate. The final minute of the song eases into a noticeably calmer tone as he finally reaches his hard-won respite, and sounds like a good night's sleep after a long, never-wracking, day.

Key to the success of the entire song is the fact that most of it is instrumental, allowing the emotional/musical dialogue to mold itself entirely to the listener. Words don't work here because this dialogue turns out differently for different people.