Eric Clapton - Lay Down Sally - Lyrics Meaning

Clapton released this single - a shuffle in the style of J.J. Cale - in November of 1977. From his album, "Slowhand," it rose to #3 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. The song crossed over onto the country music charts where it reached a respectable #26, Clapton's best ever showing in that genre, in April of 1978.

While Clapton's songs are often based on the blues, this is a rather upbeat number in which he is trying to convince his lover, Sally, to stay with him - not only for the night - but for all time:

Won't you make yourself at home and stay with me?

And don't you ever leave.

Lay down Sally, and rest here in my arms,

Don't you think you want someone to talk to?

Coincidentally, grammar experts often use this song as an example to help their students remember an example of how NOT to use of the word "lay." Grammatically speaking, Clapton should have asked Sally to "lie down." Oops.

Some have indicated that they think the song was written about Clapton's guitar. Others think it was written about his dog. No confirmation could be found to suggest that either one of these is factual or accurate.