Wells' success in the 1950s and 1960s was so enormous that she still ranks as the sixth most successful female vocalist in the history of the Billboard country charts according to historian Joel Whitburn's book "The Top 40 Country Hits", behind Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire, Tammy Wynette, and Tanya Tucker. Wells was the third country music artist, behind Roy Acuff and Hank Williams, to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 as well as being the seventh woman and first Caucasian woman to receive the honor. In 1976, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
After Dark
Kitty Wells Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From the one who shares your name but scorns your love
While the one who has your name from scandal is free
But the whole world my darling looks down on me
Don't you think I have no pride or shame
Don't you care that we're the gossips of the town
Does our love to you just mean a past time lark
Are you ashamed to be with me till after dark
Here out late I can't help but doubt your love
So many things you've promised have turned to lies
You say I'm your love and you're all mine I'm so tired of double talking your alibis
Don't you think I have no pride...
In "After Dark" by Kitty Wells, the singer is addressing her lover who comes to her only after dark, after being with another woman who shares his name but doesn't love him. The woman who has his name is free from scandal, while the singer is looked down upon by the whole world. She questions her lover's commitment to her and worries that their love is just a pastime for him. She asks him if he is ashamed to be seen with her during the day and if their love means nothing more than a fling.
The lyrics reveal a sense of hurt and betrayal on the part of the singer, who feels that she is being used for her lover's pleasure but not respected in the light of day. She questions whether he cares about her feelings and whether he is sincere in his promises. The use of the fiddle and steel in the background reinforces the sadness and wistfulness of the song.
Overall, "After Dark" speaks to the pain of unrequited love and the fear of being used and discarded. It portrays a woman who is longing for a deeper connection with her lover but is unsure if he feels the same way. The song is a poignant reminder of the ways in which we can be vulnerable and exposed in our relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
After dark you come slipping back to me
You return to me under the cover of night, away from the one you are legally bound to who does not reciprocate your feelings.
From the one who shares your name but scorns your love
You leave the person you are legally married to but who does not love you like I do.
While the one who has your name from scandal is free
Your former lover, who is now married to someone else due to a scandal involving the two of you, is free while we are stuck in this situation.
But the whole world my darling looks down on me
Society deems our relationship as unacceptable and frowns upon it.
Don't you think I have no pride or shame
I have self-respect and dignity, and I refuse to let our love be a source of shame for me.
Don't you care that we're the gossips of the town
Our relationship is the subject of town gossip, and it bothers me that you don't seem to care.
Does our love to you just mean a past time lark
I question whether our relationship is just a temporary fling to you.
Are you ashamed to be with me till after dark
I wonder whether you are ashamed to be seen with me in public during the day.
[ fiddle - steel ]
Instrumental break.
Here out late I can't help but doubt your love
When we are out together late at night, I can't help but question your true feelings for me.
So many things you've promised have turned to lies
You have made many promises to me, but they have all turned out to be false.
You say I'm your love and you're all mine I'm so tired of double talking your alibis
You claim to love me and be committed to me, but I am tired of your lies and excuses.
Don't you think I have no pride...
Refrain line.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KITTY WELLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MoJoPiano
Thanks you Lilly for another Miss Kitty classic. FIVE STARS Mike
1527 5657
My mother use to sing this song. Unbelievable! I finally found it. She taught my sister and me many old song:even from years prior of the time of when my Grandmother and Great Grandmother lived. Many of those songs came from their mothers. I have searched for all these songs. Many of which I have still yet to find
Marie Maribo
Thank you so much Lilly!
jtls8
Always know you are going to post some great music by Kitty*****
TheJESUSCHRISTRULES
Jesus is Lord.
66pjd
Kitty Wells never made a bad recording.......Definitely THE QUEEN OF COUNTRY MUSIC,,,,,STILL!
1527 5657
I will post if I can locate