Lay Lady Lay
Melanie Lyrics


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LAY LADY LAY

Lay, lady, lay, lay across that big brass bed
Lay, lady, lay, lay across that big brass bed
'Till the break of day stay while you're still ahead

Lay, lady, lay, lay across that big brass bed
Why wait any longer for my world to begin
When I can have my cake and eat it too?
Why wait any longer for the one that I love
When the one I love is you?

Stay, lady, stay, stay with a man a while
Until the break of day let me see you make him smile
His clothes are dirty but his hands are clean
And I'm the best thing that he's ever seen

Stay, lady, stay, stay across the big brass bed
Stay, lady, stay, stay while you're still ahead

His clothes are dirty but his hands are clean
And I'm the best thing that he's ever seen

Lay, lady, lay, lay across that big brass bed




Lay, lady, lay, lay across that big brass bed
Lay, lady, lay, lay across that big brass bed

Overall Meaning

Melanie Safka's cover of Bob Dylan's "Lay Lady Lay" is an intimate, romantic ballad that speaks of a man and a woman's physical and emotional connection. The song begins with the repeated line, "Lay, lady, lay, lay across that big brass bed," which is a clear invitation for the woman to stay with the man in his bed. The brass bed is an interesting choice of imagery because it is a symbol of luxury and grandeur, and perhaps represents the man's desire to impress and pamper his lover. It also suggests a certain level of permanence or commitment - a brass bed is not something you just throw away or replace.


The second verse speaks of the man's impatience to start his life with the woman he loves. He sings, "Why wait any longer for my world to begin, when I can have my cake and eat it too?" This line suggests that the man feels like he has been waiting for this woman for a long time, and now that she is here, he wants to make the most of their time together. He is not interested in delaying their happiness any longer, and wants to enjoy everything she has to offer.


In the third verse, the man tells the woman to stay with him a little longer, until the break of day. He wants to see her make him smile, and describes himself as a man with dirty clothes but clean hands. This line could be interpreted as a metaphor for someone who has made poor decisions in their life (the dirty clothes) but still has a pure heart (the clean hands). The man believes that he is the best thing that the woman has ever seen, despite his faults, and wants her to stay with him as long as she can.


Overall, "Lay Lady Lay" is an emotionally charged love song that celebrates physical and emotional connection. Melanie's haunting vocals and the simplicity of the lyrics create a hypnotic effect that draws the listener in and leaves them feeling as though they have just experienced something profound.


Line by Line Meaning

Lay, lady, lay, lay across that big brass bed
Come lie down on this big, beautiful brass bed with me


'Till the break of day stay while you're still ahead
Let's stay up all night together and enjoy the moment before the day begins


Why wait any longer for my world to begin
I don't want to waste any more time waiting for the perfect moment to start my life with you


When I can have my cake and eat it too?
Why should I settle for less, when I can have everything I want with you?


Why wait any longer for the one that I love, when the one I love is you?
I don't need to search any longer, I've found my perfect match in you


Stay, lady, stay, stay with a man a while
Stick around with me for some time and let's enjoy each other's company


Until the break of day let me see you make him smile
Let's have a night full of laughter and happiness, and cherish this moment


His clothes are dirty but his hands are clean
He may not have material possessions, but he is good at heart and treats me well


And I'm the best thing that he's ever seen
I know I make him happy, and I enjoy making him feel special


Stay, lady, stay, stay across the big brass bed
Keep lying with me on this beautiful bed


Stay, lady, stay, stay while you're still ahead
Let's enjoy this moment while we still can, without worrying about what's to come


Lay, lady, lay, lay across that big brass bed
Once again, come lie down on this big, beautiful brass bed with me




Contributed by Bentley Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Alan Fleming

Only now that I am in my 60s do I appreciate how lucky I was to grow up with such musical talent. At 60 this sounds even better than when I was 16. Thank you Melanie

Lauren R

100% agree with you. I think I was 12 or 13 and had the 45 of Melanie singing "Brand New Key", (I think that was the title. I played it over and over, never realizing that "Candles in the Rain" was so good because I wasn't listening to it! Melanie is incredible and I so appreciate her true talent and amazing personality. I think I've seen all of her interviews. She's unique and just incredible!

Joan Peaden

I hear ya!

Ron Ross

Stunning voice. I forgot those great relaxed parties in the 70s listening to Melanie. Life was so simple!

Elizabeth Rodriguez

Melanie was a huge talent. Her voice alone could have launched her into the stratosphere but for various reasons it didn't happen. She remains for me one of my favorites and a voice that defines my formative years. I saw her live at the Mainline in Philly. I was in tears when I met her and she was incredibly kind. Her music defines my soul. Thank you Melanie Safka...Now and always..

Ian Walker

Thanks for writing some of your Melanie story here, and I'm really glad you've met her in person. There is just no one else like Melanie, she's a unique and precious soul.

Mojo Manson

Popularity is fleeting, a flash in the pan. She still moves hundreds of thousands people with her God given voice! Trust me, she will never be overlooked!

K B

Totes Mcgoats!

Totally!🏁🎶🏁

Mojo Manson

Try, Melanie & The Edwin Hawkin Singers, "Lay Down" 1970 (Official Version), Swedish television. Absolutely fantastic!

RAIN STEIN

I have long been a major fan of Melanie Safka and was fortunate to see her perform and meet her and her son and daughter here in Florida back on her birthday in 2000!!! A fellow Aquarian and an enormous talent!!! So down to earth!!!

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