April 14, 2007

Old flames


An old country song I have loved since I heard it the very first time, during the summer of 1980, when I was on my way to Lake Tahoe (between the states of California and Nevada) and while enjoying my first Martini. Even though it wasn’t Dolly Parton who first sang it, it was she who took it to the top of the U.S. country charts right that summer. Anyway I heard “Old Flames Can't Hold A Candle To You” sung by her, and the impact was fantastic.

I still prefer Dolly’s version, but this live version by Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash (noblesse oblige!) is very good too. Enjoy it.


OLD FLAMES CAN'T HOLD A CANDLE TO YOU
Lyrics

Downtown tonight, I saw an old friend, someone who
I use to take comfort from long before I met you
I caught a spark from his eyes of forgotten desire
With a word, or a touch, I could have rekindled that fire

Old flames can't hold a candle to you
No one can light up the night like you do
Flickering embers of love
I've known one or two
But old flames can't hold a candle to you

Sometimes at night, I think of old lovers I've known
I remember how holding them helped me not feel so alone
Then I feel you beside me and even their memories are gone
Like stars in the night lost in the sweet light of dawn

Old flames can't hold a candle to you
No one can light up the night like you do
Flickering embers of love
I've known one or two
But old flames can't hold a candle to you
Old flames can't hold a candle to you
Mmmm......