Wonderful Tonight

Infobox Single
Name = Wonderful Tonight


Artist = Eric Clapton
from Album = Slowhand
B-side = Peaches And Diesel
Released = 1977
Format = 45 Record
Recorded = May 1977
Genre = Rock
Length = 3:13
Label = RSO
Writer = Eric Clapton
Producer = Glyn Johns
Last single = ???
This single = Wonderful Tonight/Peaches And Diesel
Next single = Lay Down Sally"Wonderful Tonight" is a song written by Eric Clapton about his then-love, Pattie Boyd. It was included on Clapton's 1977 album "Slowhand" and released as a single the following year.

While generally regarded as a romantic song, "Wonderful Tonight"'s genesis was less than starry-eyed lyricism. Clapton's inspiration came as he grew impatient for Boyd to finish dressing for a party. In that regard, the lyric "You look wonderful tonight" could be interpreted less as a heartfelt compliment and more as a prod to be finished getting dressed. Nevertheless, the subsequent lyrics grow more patient and loving.

The song is a narrative, dealing with a party the pair attended. Each of the three verses is a scene from a part of the night: preparing for the party, going to the party, and coming home from the party. In each scene, he mentions how wonderful she is: how beautiful she looks while preparing for the party, how happy he is to be at the party with her, and how grateful he is that she puts up with him after he drinks a bit too much.

In 1988, Clapton appeared in the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert as a guest guitarist for Dire Straits. The group became his backing musicians for a surprise performance of "Wonderful Tonight" during their set.

Cover versions

*Wonderful Tonight was covered by British pop group Damage. It was released as a single in 1997 and reached #3 on the UK Singles Chart.
* Country music artist David Kersh released a cover of the song on his album "If I Never Stop Loving You". Kersh's version reached #29 on "Billboard" Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart (now Hot Country Songs).
*The song was also covered by vocalist Michael Bublé in cooperation with Ivan Lins on his album "Call Me Irresponsible".
*Also covered by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds on his 2007 album, Playlist
*Also covered by Björn Skifs on his 1984 album "If... Then..." (also appearing on Songs for You from 1991)
* Country singer Don Williams did a cover version of this song in 2003.
* House music group Studio Apartment recorded a cover version of this song in 2007.

References

* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=33:2fxuak6kgmhc All Music Guide review]

External links

* [http://www.eric-clapton.co.uk/ecla/lyrics/wonderful-tonight.html Lyrics]