Derek and The Dominos - Layla - Lyrics Meaning

Layla is a ballad from the 1970 album by Derek and the Dominos entitled Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs. The song was written by Eric Clapton and Jim Gordon. It is based on Clapton's unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, who was the wife of close friend and colleague, George Harrison. Clapton is basically telling his love that she will need him to console her when her "old man" has let her down. He asks her who she will turn to when she gets lonely. Clapton initially wants to provide that shoulder to cry on, but that consoling eventually turns into infatuation and ultimately love, as the thought of Layla is driving Clapton insane. This is indicated in the chorus when he pleads, "darling won't you ease my worried mind".

Clapton was deeply in love with Pattie Boyd and the song's tone and frantic pace perfectly convey the sense of longing and helplessness that he has for this woman. In the third verse, Clapton implores her not to tell him, "I'll never find a way" and that he cannot hear that his love is all in vain. Clapton begs and pleads for her to be with him. Layla's name is mentioned frequently throughout the song and this is done to show Clapton's obsession with the woman. Boyd later went on to divorce George Harrison in 1974 and married Clapton in 1979.