Conway Twitty – I Want To Know You Before We Make Love

About the song

Today, we delve into a lesser-known gem from his vast repertoire: I Want To Know You Before We Make Love. Released in 1987 on his album Borderline, this song stands out for its introspective look at intimacy.

Twitty, a legend of country music for over three decades by that point, had built a career on portraying the strong, silent cowboy. Yet, I Want To Know You Before We Make Love reveals a surprising vulnerability. It sheds the bravado and explores a more tender side of love, one that seeks emotional connection before physical intimacy.

This is a far cry from the often-exploitative portrayal of love found in country music of the era. While themes of passion and longing were prevalent, the emotional depth rarely went beyond the initial spark. I Want To Know You Before We Make Love challenges that notion. It speaks to a generation, perhaps weary of fleeting encounters, yearning for something more substantial.

The song opens with a gentle guitar strumming, setting a melancholic tone. Twitty’s unmistakable voice, seasoned with age yet retaining its power, enters with the first verse: “And when I look into your eyes, I want to feel the love inside, you.” This line establishes the crux of the song – the desire to see beyond the physical attraction and glimpse the soul within.

The lyrics that follow paint a picture of a man hesitant, not because of fear, but because of a genuine desire for connection. Lines like “I want to hold you before I make love to you, I want to show you all of my heart” showcase a kind of vulnerability rarely seen in the hyper-masculine world of country music.

I Want To Know You Before We Make Love doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the importance of physical intimacy. However, it positions it as a culmination of emotional connection, not its sole purpose. The song celebrates the beauty of vulnerability and the power of genuine connection that transcends the physical act.

This introspective approach to love resonated with a portion of Twitty’s audience. While the song wasn’t a chart-topping hit, it found a niche among those seeking a deeper meaning in their relationships. It offered a refreshing alternative to the often-shallow portrayals of love in country music.

I Want To Know You Before We Make Love stands as a testament to Conway Twitty’s artistic evolution. It showcased his ability to move beyond the established tropes of the genre and explore the complexities of human connection. It’s a song that deserves a place in the conversation about the evolution of country music and its exploration of intimacy.

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Lyrics

“I Want To Know You Before We Make Love”