By the late '50s Bonnie was recording on the Mar-Vel label with Fuzzy and his band, the Sun Valley Playboys. She cut a well-received duet album with Fuzzy, her sometime boyfriend, on Tally Records, which would later be re-released on Capitol Records as "Just Between the Two of Us." In 1961, Bonnie saw Haggard singing for the first time at a Lefty Frizzell concert. At the time, Haggard was just a few months out of San Quentin prison for breaking and entering. By 1964 Fuzzy was managing Haggard and suggested that Bonnie and Haggard re-record "Just Between the Two of Us." Taking Fuzzy's advice paid off; the song hit the top of the country charts but not for long. It was replaced by "(My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers," Haggard's breakthrough single.
In 1965 Haggard signed with Capitol Records, married Bonnie, and signed the Strangers (including Bonnie) with a booking agency owned in part by Buck. Bonnie's marriage to Haggard lasted until 1978, but the two had already separated in 1975. Eventually Bonnie resumed touring with the Strangers in the late '70s and remarried for the final time to Fred McMillenher. She continued to tour regularly with Haggard and the Strangers. While Bonnie released half a dozen albums and numerous singles on Capitol Records in the mid- to late '60s, she remained satisfied singing backup as a member of the Strangers.
Lead Me On
Bonnie Owens Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I feel the yearn to love you even though I know it's wrong
You'll have to take my hand and lead me slowly through the door
I'll be wrong in what I'm doin' but I can't refuse anymore
Lead me on and take control of how I feel
I can't do this on my own it's against my will
I need love warm and tender in a way I've never known
Lead me on and take control
If you want me I'll go with you but you'll have to lead me on
The lyrics of Bonnie Owens's song "Lead Me On" reflect a conflicted and vulnerable perspective of a person who is struggling with the tumultuous emotions of falling in love with someone even though they know it's not right. The singer acknowledges that they made a promise to never do wrong, but the yearning to love the person they desire is too strong to resist. They are admitting their weakness, and they need the other person to take control of how they feel, to guide them through their uncertainty and confusion. The singer is willing to be wrong in what they're doing, despite knowing it's not right, because they can't continue to deny their feelings.
The phrase "lead me on" is repeated throughout the song, signifying the need for the other person to provide guidance and direction. The singer is looking for warmth and tenderness in a way they've never known before, and they are willing to follow the other person's lead. The song's melody and Owens's tender vocal delivery enhance the vulnerability and sincerity of the lyrics. The song conveys a sense of unsureness and desperation that makes the lyrics powerful and relatable.
Line by Line Meaning
Once I made a promise that I'd never do no wrong
I promised to be faithful, but now I want to be with you even though I know it's not right.
But I feel the yearn to love you even though I know it's wrong
I have an overwhelming desire to be with you, despite knowing that it goes against my promise.
You'll have to take my hand and lead me slowly through the door
I need you to initiate this relationship and guide me through the process.
I'll be wrong in what I'm doin' but I can't refuse anymore
I know that what we're doing is wrong, but I cannot resist my feelings for you any longer.
Lead me on and take control of how I feel
I need you to take charge of my emotions and guide me to the right decision.
I can't do this on my own it's against my will
I cannot resist my desires for you without your guidance and support.
I need love warm and tender in a way I've never known
I yearn for a type of love that is gentle and caring, and that I have never experienced before.
If you want me I'll go with you but you'll have to lead me on
If you desire a relationship with me, I am willing to follow your lead and let you guide our journey together.
Lead me on and take control
I am placing my trust in you to guide our relationship and my emotions.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER H BROWN, ROBERT S RANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kenneth Lingle
Another great cover of a great song. I don't know who's song this is. But Bonnie Owens sings it beautifully. Thank you country lady. RIP .........
Wanda Smith-Sweat
This isn't a covrr; Conway & Loretta's version us a cover of this original.
Carmen Cordova
I met Bonnie and Merlele in Farmington New Mexico. My friend was interviewing them, Kirk was a disc jockey. Loved her voice and Merle was at his finest. What a thrill.
StaceyDMify
I agree, re. Bonnie's influence on Merle's early career. Another lady who helped put Merle on the map - Liz Anderson (mother of country icon Lynn Anderson). Liz wrote "All My Friends are Gonna be Strangers" (his first top 10) and "The Fugitive" (his first #1). He owes a lot to both ladies - Bonnie Owens & Liz Anderson.
Adrian Verduin
My Bonnie forever my favorite.
Gloria Lornay
There is ambiguity in persuasion and Bonnie demonstrates the power of temptation.
dlanodrelda
They sing differently; better is subjective.
Glenn Evans
@MrRickycurry That was mean. Bonnie Owens galvenized Merle Haggard's signature sound. I think she is an unsung country legend. She did struggle some with doing lead. I dare say if it had not been for Bonnie we would not even know who Merle Haggard is these days. There are many contributions to songs it not just the MAIN guy or girl.
Rob Gallagher
I disagree with your comment that she was not an outstanding singer. Check the Bear Family 4-CD complete recordings, "Queen of the Coast."
Marvin Thayer
While Bonnie Owens had an impact on Merle's career, the degree that you that you say, is as dlanodrelda out it subjective. We would have known Merle with or without Bonnie. She was a good woman, good wife, and good person. She was not a genuis when it came to business, nor was she an outstanding muscuan or singer. Do I like to listen to her, with or without Merle, you bet I do, I just love her singing.