The band released only one studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. The album went on to receive critical acclaim, but initially faltered in sales and in radio airplay. Although released in 1970 it was not until March 1972 that the album's single "Layla" (a tale of unrequited love inspired by Clapton's relationship with his friend George Harrison's wife, Pattie Boyd) made the top ten in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album, which has received praise from critics and fans alike, is often considered to be the defining achievement of Clapton's career. Layla featured slide guitar from guest guitarist Duane Allman, who contributed lead, rhythm or slide guitar on most of the cuts on the album.
Evil
Derek & The Dominos Lyrics
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Can't sleep at night.
Call on your telephone
Something just ain't right.
That's evil, evil is going on wrong.
I want to warn you brother,
You better watch your happy home.
Knock on the front door,
Run 'round to the back
You'll catch him just before he goes.
That's evil, evil is going on.
I have warned you brother,
You better watch your happy home.
If you call on the telephone
And she answers long and slow,
Grab the first thing smoking
And you have to haul her home.
That's evil, evil is going on wrong.
I have warned you brother,
You better watch your happy home.
The lyrics of "Evil" by Derek & The Dominos convey a clear warning of impending danger, particularly for men who are far from home and vulnerable to betrayal. The song opens with the singer unable to sleep at night, sensing that something is amiss. He calls home and feels a sense of unease, an intuition that "evil is going on wrong." He warns his brother to watch his "happy home," a phrase that suggests a sense of safety and security that is in danger of being violated.
The second verse takes a more concrete and urgent tone, as the singer races home to catch someone who is threatening his peace of mind, and possibly his relationship. He knows that "evil is going on," and that he has to act fast to protect his happiness. The final verse continues this thread of mistrust, as the singer urges his brother to be vigilant about phone calls from his partner. He warns that long, slow answers could indicate an affair, and advises him to act decisively and bring her home, no matter what. Overall, the song is a powerful testament to the dangers of infidelity and the fragility of our emotional bonds.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a long way from home,
Being far away from a sense of belonging.
Can't sleep at night.
Feeling restless and troubled.
Call on your telephone
Something just ain't right.
Feeling suspicious and uneasy about something.
That's evil, evil is going on wrong.
Something bad and malicious is happening.
I want to warn you brother,
You better watch your happy home.
Advising someone to protect their personal life from harm.
You make it to your house,
Knock on the front door,
Run 'round to the back
You'll catch him just before he goes.
Trying to catch someone doing something wrong.
If you call on the telephone
And she answers long and slow,
Grab the first thing smoking
And you have to haul her home.
Suspecting infidelity and wanting to confront the situation.
I have warned you brother,
You better watch your happy home.
Repeating a warning to protect one's personal life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID BATEMAN, BEKI BOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind