Peak
14
Weeks
11
Score
1,707
Chart Year
1973
This was the lead single from One Man Dog, a concept album about fame primarily recorded in Taylor's home studio. He explained to Mojo magazine July 2009: "I wrote a number of songs that talked about being uneasy about fame. There are things about it that are odd, and should be questioned." This song finds Taylor asking a girl to spend the night to fend off his loneliness. He comes off a bit desperate and very capricious, at one point telling her that he's not going to beg, but then preceding to do so. It sounds a lot like the manipulations of an addict, which Taylor was at the time. The song was released the same year he married Carly Simon (they divorced in 1983). The Isley Brothers covered this in 1973. Eric Clapton recorded it in 2001 for his album Reptile. Jazz giant Michael Brecker is featured on tenor sax. He was a popular session player on many rock and pop songs in the '70s and '80s. Taylor sang on a version that was included on Brecker's 2001 solo album Nearness of You: The Ballad Book. This version earned Taylor a Grammy win for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Do me wrong, do me right. Tell me lies but hold me tight. Save your good-byes for the morning light, but don't let me be lonely tonight. Say goodbye and say hello. Sure enough good to see you, but it's time to go. Don't say yes but please don't say no, I don't want to be lonely tonight. Go away then, damn you, go on and do as you please, You ain't gonna see me getting down on my knees. I'm undecided, and your heart's been divided, you've been turning my world upside down. Do me wrong, do me right, right now, baby. Go on and tell me lies but hold me tight. Save your good-byes for the morning light, morning light, but don't let me be lonely tonight. I don't want to be lonely tonight, no, no, I don't want to be lonely tonight. I don't want to be lonely tonight.
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 2, 1972 | 60 | 66 |
| 2 | Dec 9, 1972 | 41 | 85 |
| 3 | Dec 16, 1972 | 38 | 88 |
| 4 | Dec 23, 1972 | 27 | 99 |
| 5 | Dec 30, 1972 | 21 | 105 |
| 6 | Jan 6, 1973 | 15 | 111 |
| 7 | Jan 13, 1973 | 14 | 112 |
| 8 | Jan 20, 1973 | 14 | 112 |
| 9 | Jan 27, 1973 | 15 | 111 |
| 10 | Feb 3, 1973 | 26 | 100 |
| 11 | Feb 10, 1973 | 35 | 91 |