About the song
“Amanda” by Don Williams is a timeless country ballad that resonates with a sense of heartfelt longing and quiet intensity. Released in 1973, and then again as a major crossover hit in 1980, this track stands as a testament to Williams’s smooth baritone and his ability to convey deep emotion with understated elegance. It’s more than just a love song; it’s a confession of enduring affection, a tender declaration of a love that has stood the test of time.
The song’s lyrics, written by Bob McDill, tell the story of a man who finally reveals his long-held feelings for Amanda, a woman he has loved for many years. The lyrics are simple yet evocative, painting a picture of a love that has matured and deepened over time. Williams’s vocal delivery, marked by its smooth phrasing and sincere tone, enhances the song’s tender and heartfelt quality.
Don Williams’s vocal style, characterized by its smooth baritone and effortless delivery, imbues the song with a sense of both warmth and sincerity. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he conveys them with a genuine affection, inviting the listener to share in the quiet intensity of his emotions. This sincerity is a hallmark of his artistry, and it’s what makes his rendition of “Amanda” so endearing.
The song’s arrangement, typically gentle and uncluttered, allows Williams’s vocals and the lyrics to take center stage. The gentle acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle backing vocals create a warm and intimate atmosphere, mirroring the song’s theme of quiet devotion.
“Amanda” is more than just a country song; it’s a timeless ode to enduring love, a reminder that true affection can deepen and mature over time. It’s a testament to Don Williams’s ability to craft songs that are both relatable and heartwarming, capturing the essence of genuine affection.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve held it all inward
Lord knows I’ve tried
It’s an awful awakenin’
In a country boy’s life
When you look in the mirror
In total surprise
At the hair on your shoulders
And the age in your eyes.
Amanda light of my life
Fate should have made you a gentle man’s wife
Amanda light of my life
Fate should have made you a gentle man’s wife.
Well the measure of people
Don’t understand
The pleasures of life
In a hillbilly band
I got my first guitar
When I was fourteen
Now I’m crowding thirty
And still wearin’ jeans.
Amanda light of my life
Fate should have made you a gentle man’s wife
Amanda light of my life
Fate should have made you a gentle man’s wife.
