Unveiling the Melodic Tale:
Unraveling the Narrative Behind Barbara Mandrell‘s “Years”
Crafted by the gifted duo Kye Fleming and Dennis Morgan, “Years” stands as a pinnacle in the annals of Music City’s songwriting history. Their harmonious partnership yielded an impressive array of hits, with an astonishing 20 Billboard Top Ten singles and seven chart-toppers between 1978 and 1983. Yet, their journey to musical eminence took divergent paths before converging in Nashville.
Dennis Morgan’s odyssey commenced in Tracy, Minnesota, where his passion for music led him to forsake high school in pursuit of his dreams. He traversed the coffeehouse circuit across the nation throughout the early ’70s before settling in Nashville. Meanwhile, Kye Fleming’s nomadic upbringing, courtesy of her father’s naval career, instilled in her a love for songwriting from an early age. Her sojourn in Arkansas saw the genesis of her musical endeavors, eventually culminating in a fateful encounter with Elvis Presley’s bassist, Jerry Scheff, who paved her path to Pi-Gem Music.
Their collaboration burgeoned in January 1978, as Fleming and Morgan embarked on a prolific songwriting journey, often commissioned to craft tunes tailored to specific artists’ needs. Under the guidance of producer Tom Collins, known for his work with luminaries like Charley Pride and Barbara Mandrell, the duo honed their craft, meticulously molding melodies to fit each artist’s unique style.
However, “Years” diverged from their customary modus operandi, emerging as a heartfelt composition rather than a product of commercial intent. Fleming cherished it as one of her personal favorites, imbuing it with a raw authenticity that resonated deeply.
As Mandrell and Collins convened at Nashville’s Sound Emporium studio to record “Years,” initial impressions suggested a favorable outcome. Yet, Collins deemed the track too lengthy for single release, consigning it to the role of an album filler for Mandrell’s forthcoming LP, “Just for the Record.” Despite Randy Wright’s earnest contribution as the “answer voice” on the chorus, Collins sought to augment the track with a session singer’s embellished performance.
Nevertheless, the unforeseen ascent of “Years” on radio airwaves defied expectations. DJs nationwide embraced the track, spinning it from the “Just for the Record” album, which had debuted in August ’79. Amidst mounting anticipation, MCA Records hastened its release as a single on December 7th. Two months later, “Years,” adorned with Wright’s original vocals, ascended to the coveted #1 position on February 23, 1980, etching its indelible mark on the country music landscape.
In the tapestry of Barbara Mandrell’s illustrious career, “Years” remains a poignant testament to the enduring power of heartfelt storytelling and the serendipitous alchemy of artistic collaboration.
- Artist: Barbara Mandrell
- Released: 1979
- Album: Just for the Record
Lyrics
Faded photographs the feelings all come back
Even now some times you feel so near
And I still see your face like it was yeasterday
Its strange how the days turned into years Years of hanging on the dreams are already gone Dreams of wishing you were here After all this time you
d think I wouldn’t cry
Its just that I still love you after all theses years Night time gentaly falls another day is gone I turn around to find your still not here I leave the hall light on in case you come back home But I've been saying that for years Years of hanging on to dreams are already gone It
s a wishing you were here
After all this time youd think I wouldn't cry It
s just that I still love you after all theses years
After all theses years