About the song
“Lead Me On” is the second collaborative studio album by the iconic country music duo Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Released on January 17, 1972, by Decca Records, this album exemplifies the seamless blend of Twitty’s smooth baritone and Lynn’s powerful soprano, creating a sound that is both timeless and captivating.
The album received critical acclaim upon its release. In the February 5, 1972, issue of Billboard magazine, the album was praised for its “dynamite selection of material,” highlighting the duo’s synergy and the standout tracks such as “Never Ending Song of Love,” “Easy Loving,” and “You Blow My Mind,” written by Billy Edd Wheeler. This review emphasized the album’s potential to become a significant chart success, a prediction that came true as the album reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot Country LP’s chart and No. 106 on the US Billboard Top LP’s chart. Additionally, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified the album Gold for exceeding 500,000 copies in sales.
Cashbox’s January 29, 1972, issue also lauded the duo, noting their visual and musical harmony. The review described Twitty and Lynn as a “stately and dignified couple” with a modern yet subtle style that extended to their music. The review highlighted tracks like “Lead Me On,” “You Blow My Mind,” and “You’re the Reason,” noting the unique blend of their individual styles into a cohesive, new sound.
However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Record World’s January 29, 1972, issue criticized the album’s artwork, calling the cover design “ruined” by the blue border and 100 white stars. Despite this critique, the review acknowledged the album’s strong musical content, pointing out tracks like “Lead Me On,” “Back Street Affair,” and a particularly sultry rendition of “Easy Lovin’.”
The album’s only single, “Lead Me On,” was released in September 1971 and became a significant hit. It peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and also topped the RPM Country Singles chart in Canada. This marked the duo’s second song to achieve the top position on the charts, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the country music scene.
Recording sessions for “Lead Me On” took place at Bradley’s Barn in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, from November 21-23, 1971. Interestingly, the title track “Lead Me On” was recorded earlier, on November 11, 1970, during sessions for their previous album “We Only Make Believe.”
In summary, “Lead Me On” stands as a testament to the musical chemistry between Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. The album not only showcases their vocal talents but also highlights their ability to choose and deliver songs that resonate with audiences, ensuring their place in the annals of country music history.
Video
Lyrics
Once I made a promise
That I’d never lead you on
But I feel the yearn to love you
Even though I know it’s wrong
You’ll have to take my hand
And lead me slowly through the door
I’ll be wrong in what I’m doin’
I can’t refuse you anymore
Lead me on
And take control of how I feel
I can’t do this on my own
‘Cause it’s against my will
I need love warm and tender
In a way, I’ve never known
If you want me, I’ll go with you
But you’ll have to lead me on
Lead me on
And take control of how I feel
I can’t do this on my own
‘Cause it’s against my will
But I need love warm and tender
In a way, I’ve never known
If you want me, I’ll go with you
But you’ll have to lead me on