About the song
Origins and Authorship:
- The song was written by country singer Billy Wallace and songwriter Jimmy Rule.
- Billy Wallace released his version in 1952.
Themes:
- “Back Street Affair” is a classic country tearjerker dealing with infidelity.
- It tells the story of a man involved in a secret relationship (“back street affair”) and the guilt and shame that come with it.
Conway Twitty’s Version:
- Interestingly, Conway Twitty didn’t record “Back Street Affair” as a solo single.
- He actually covered it as a duet with Loretta Lynn on their 1972 album “Lead Me On.”
- In this context, the song takes on a new dimension, perhaps exploring the forbidden love between two married people or the consequences of straying from a committed relationship.
Possible Lyrics (Since you might not find the exact recording by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn):
The original version by Billy Wallace might contain lyrics that delve deeper into the man’s perspective and regret. It could explore themes of temptation, secrecy, and the potential destruction of a primary relationship.
Here are some possible lyrical elements based on the common themes of the song:
- Sneaking around to meet the secret lover
- Internal conflict between desire and commitment
- Fear of getting caught and the consequences
- The toll the affair takes on the man’s conscience
Further Exploration:
If you’d like to hear how the song translates to a duet with Loretta Lynn, you might be able to find their version on streaming services or older country music compilations. You could also try finding Billy Wallace’s original recording to get a feel for the male perspective in the song.
Video
Lyrics
You didn’t know I wasn’t free when you fell in love with meAnd with all your young heart you learned to careIt brought you shame and disgrace the world has tumbled in your placeFor they call our love a back street affairThey say you wrecked my home I’m a husband that’s gone wrongThey don’t know the sorrow that we have to bearFor the one that I’m tied to was the first to prove untrueYet they call our love a back street affair[ fiddle ]Sweetheart I always knew when I fell in love with youThe heartaches that we would have to bearI knew a call gets around and that all over townThey would call our love a back street affairThey say I wrecked your life and brought sorrow to your wifeThat I was just a girl who didn’t seem to careBut if they only knew how she slips around on youThey wouldn’t call our love a back street affairWhen the mist rolls away we’ll be free to love some dayAnd find happiness that we were made to shareWe’ll climb a mountain high and the world will hear us cryThat our love is not a back street affair