Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson have teamed up to duo single “Lay Me Down.” The song comes from the newest album by Lynn, Full Circle. This is the first time in 31 years since the two have written song together. The last time the duo have performed together was in 1985 at the Farm Aid stage. Since then their tours haven’t really meshed together. But now the two are performing side by side on an album that was co-produced by Lynn’s daughter Patsy Lynn Russell.The entire Full Circle album was recorded in Johnny Cash’s old cabin in Tennessee. The duet that Nelson and Lynn sing was written by Lynn’s son-in-law Mark Marchetti.
“I always loved Willie. He’s always been a great guy, and he was always so nice to me,” Lynn said to Rolling Stone Country, “He wasn’t one of those guys hanging around just trying to go with you, or nothing like that. He was writing songs trying to make a living. . . Willie was a great songwriter when I met him, and it took him longer to realize he was a singer, too. He’s so good.”
The video for “Lay Me Down” is contrasting to the years the two have toured since the 1985 Farm Aid. The pair are talking about the upcoming time when their life runs out. Directed by David McCalister, the somber tune is about the duets own mortality. “I am so proud to be able to sing a song with my friend,” said Lynn to The Boot, “Willie is one of those people that, even if you haven’t seen them for thirty years, you feel like it was just yesterday.” nelson commented on his work with Lynn in this song and the video saying that he was excited to work with Lynn again and that she is one of the few remaining traditional country artists and one of Nelson’s favorite people. “She’s an original!” Nelson stated to The Boot. The chorus states that Lynn and Nelson aren’t ready to stop touring yet. The duet is sung with a heavy heart by both Nelson and Lynn, but yet throughout the video the song is not rushed or hurried, they take their time to get ready before the big moment near the end of the clip. For these friends, the song is allowing them to look back at the times they were accomplishing anything.
Throughout the video both Nelson and Lynn are often seen walking around old dressing rooms, haunted and empty but hold special memories. It was where they would get ready for their shows, the magical moment before the big entry. To them, the old stage is a great way to look back and reflect on the number of people they have touched with music and song. Lynn is seen choosing which sparkling gown she should wear at the performance on stage, Nelson is in his bus humming the tune and getting ready to join Lynn for the finale. The video ends with the two friends hugging each other as the curtains close on their special performance for the evening.
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