In 1963, David Houston rose to national stardom with the single "Mountain of Love"; the song, which was different from the tune made famous by composer Harold Dorman, Johnny Rivers and Charley Pride, rose to No. 2 on Billboard magazine's Hot Country Singles chart. Another song, 1965's "Livin' in a House Full of Love" did just as well.
1966 brought Houston's breakthrough smash, "Almost Persuaded". Having nothing to do with the Philip Paul Bliss hymn of the same title (based on Acts 26:28 (KJV)), the tale of a married man managing to fight off a temptress he had just met in a tavern quickly rocketed to No. 1 that August, eventually spending nine weeks atop Billboard's Hot Country Singles chart. In the 40 years since "Almost Persuaded" became a country standard, no song has equaled or bettered this feat. However, two country songs have spent eight weeks at No. 1: Lonestar's "Amazed," which topped the chart from July 17 to September 4, 1999; and "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett, from August 9 to September 20 and then October 4, 2003 (in between "Somewhere's" seventh and eighth weeks at #1, on September 27, 2003, Dierks Bentley's "What Was I Thinkin' " topped the chart).
Houston was awarded 2 Grammy Awards for Best Country & Western Recording and Best Country & Western Performance, Male in 1967 for "Almost Persuaded."
"Almost Persuaded" began a string of Top 5 David Houston singles that lasted through 1973. Included in the bunch were six more No. 1's – "With One Exception" and "You Mean the World to Me" (1967); "Have a Little Faith" and "Already It's Heaven" (1968); "Baby, Baby (I Know You're a Lady)" (1970); and 1967's "My Elusive Dreams" duet with Tammy Wynette.
In later years, Houston dueted with Barbara Mandrell on several of her early hits, most notably 1970's "After Closing Time" and 1974's "I Love You, I Love You."
David's last Top 10 country hit came in 1974 with "Can't You Feel It".
David Houston died of a brain aneurysm on November 30, 1993, less than two weeks before his 58th birthday.
The Rest of My Life
David Houston Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But when it was over I wanted to cry
Now I know what I want out of life and that's for you to love me the rest of my life
For holding another woman I know I'll pay
But I wonder can you still love me after yesterday
I've told you all about and I know that I was wrong
I can't explain it just happened I was weak and I was wrong
Now I know what I want out of life and that's for you to love me the rest of my life
In this song, David Houston reflects on the fleeting nature of lust and how it can lead to regret and heartache. He acknowledges his mistake of being unfaithful to his partner and the consequences that will follow. Despite this, he expresses his sincere desire for his partner to forgive him and love him for the remainder of his life. The lyrics suggest a deep sense of remorse and understanding of how actions can have lasting consequences. The vulnerability and honesty in Houston's words highlight the importance of communication and being accountable in relationships.
Overall, the song is a plea for forgiveness and second chances in love. It reminds listeners that we all make mistakes, but what's important is how we move forward and make amends with those we care about. The lyrics also imply a sense of growth and learning from past mistakes, as Houston realizes the true value of love and commitment.
Line by Line Meaning
The passion of lust burns fast and it burns high
Lust is a powerful force that ignites rapidly and burns intensely.
But when it was over I wanted to cry
After the passion subsided, sorrow set in and regret was felt.
Now I know what I want out of life and that's for you to love me the rest of my life
I have come to realize that my true desire is for you to love me throughout the entirety of my existence.
For holding another woman I know I'll pay
I understand the consequences of my actions and that I will have to face the repercussions.
But I wonder can you still love me after yesterday
I am worried that my mistake may have caused irreparable damage to our relationship.
I've told you all about and I know that I was wrong
I have been honest with you about what happened and acknowledge that my actions were incorrect.
I can't explain it just happened I was weak and I was wrong
Although I do not have a valid excuse, I acted out of weakness and recognize the fault in my decision-making.
Now I know what I want out of life and that's for you to love me the rest of my life
My newfound understanding is that my ultimate aspiration is for you to love me unconditionally until the end of my life.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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Primrose Haran
Fantastic voice great song thank you for this
Ruth Boykin
Beautiful singer and song! Thanks Tom!