Song Details
- Artist
- Derek and the Dominos
- Album
- Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs
- Released
- 1970
- Genre
- Blues Rock
- Length
- 7:04
¶ Deep Analysis
"Layla" is a tale of unrequited love so potent it required two distinct movements to tell. The first half is a guitar riff-driven howl of pain, while the second "Piano Exit" is a serene, elegiac reflection.
Clapton + Allman
The dual guitars of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman (of the Allman Brothers Band) create a wailing, bird-like harmony that is one of the most recognizable sounds in rock. Allman's slide guitar playing pushes Clapton to heights he rarely reached alone.
Inspired by the Persian love story of Layla and Majnun, Clapton wrote the song about his forbidden love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his best friend, George Harrison.
@ History & Impact
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1
Commercial Failure (Initially)
The song (and album) flopped upon release in 1970 but gained traction later, eventually becoming a rock staple.
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2
Goodfellas
The "Piano Exit" was immortalized in popular culture by its use in the scene where the bodies are discovered in Martin Scorsese's movie Goodfellas.