Layla Part I

"Layla" is a song written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon, originally released by their band, Derek and the Dominos, from their album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs  in December 1970. It is considered one of rock music's definitive love songs featuring an unmistakable guitar figure played by Eric Clapton and Duane Allman, and a piano coda that comprises the second half of the song. Its famously contrasting movements were composed separately by Clapton and Gordon. 

According to Boyd, Clapton played the song for her at a party, and later that same evening confessed to George that he was in love with his wife. The revelation caused no small upset among the three of them, but Pattie and George remained married for several more years, and Harrison and Clapton retained their close friendship with no apparent signs of damage.

Boyd divorced Harrison in 1974 and married Clapton in 1979 during a concert stop in Tucson, Arizona. Harrison was not bitter about the divorce, and attended Clapton's wedding party with Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. During their relationship, Clapton wrote another love ballad for Pattie called "Wonderful Tonight" (1977). Clapton and Boyd divorced in 1989 after several years of separation.

The song was inspired by Clapton's then unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of his friend and fellow musician George Harrison. "Layla" was not very successful on its initial release. The song has since experienced great critical and popular acclaim, and is often hailed as being among the greatest rock songs of all time. Two versions have achieved chart success, the first in 1972 and the second twenty years later as an acoustic "Unplugged" performance. In 2004 it was ranked #27 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", and the acoustic version won the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.

Abm                            Ebm

                               What will you do when you get lonely

                               Abm          G       A        B

                               With nobody waiting by your side

                               C#m         F#          B               E

                               You've been running and hiding much too long,

                               C#m           F#                B

                               You know it's just your foolish pride.

                    E  Am   F      G            Am

               CHORUS:             Layla,  you got me on my knees.

                               Am    F     G               Am

                               Layla,  I'm begging darling please.

                               Am    F   G                 Am              F     G

                               Layla,    darling won't you ease my worried mind.

                               Abm                   Ebm

                               Tried to give you consolation,

                               Abm       G         A        B

                               Your old man won't let you down

                               C#m    F#      B                 E

                               Like a fool, I fell in love with you,

                               C#m        F#                 B

                               Turned the whole world upside down

                               CHORUS

                               Abm                          Ebm

                               Let's make the best of the situation

                               Abm      G       A    B

                               Before I fin'lly go insane.

                               C#m          F#        B            E

                               Please don't say we'll never find a way

                               C#m         F#              B

                               And tell me all my loves in vain

                               CHORUS