About the song
“Even Now” is the title track from Conway Twitty’s 1991 album of the same name. Written by Worley Max and Glenn Warren, it’s a quintessential country ballad that showcases Twitty’s late-career vocal prowess and his enduring ability to deliver emotionally resonant songs. Released just two years before his passing, the album Even Now holds a poignant place in his discography as the last studio album released during his lifetime. The song, like many of Twitty’s hits, delves into the complexities of love and memory, a theme he mastered throughout his long career.
The sound and style: “Even Now” is a classic country ballad, leaning towards the “country pop” sound that was prevalent in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It’s characterized by a smooth, polished production, a prominent melody, and Twitty’s distinctive, often conversational yet deeply emotional vocal delivery. The sound is warm, reflective, and slightly melancholic, designed to evoke a sense of lingering love and memory.
Musical features:
- Conway Twitty’s Iconic Vocals: Twitty’s baritone voice is the central focus. He delivers the lyrics with a tender, expressive quality, often employing his signature “growl” or a subtle vocal inflection to convey deep emotion. His ability to convey profound feeling with a seemingly simple delivery is a hallmark of his style.
- Smooth Production: The song features a polished production common in country music of the era, with lush instrumentation that supports the vocal without overpowering it.
- Steel Guitar and Fiddle (subtle): While incorporating country-pop elements, the song likely features traditional country instrumentation like steel guitar and possibly fiddle, providing a subtle, authentic country texture. These instruments would add to the song’s melancholic and reflective atmosphere.
- Prominent Melody: The melody is memorable and easy to follow, allowing the listener to focus on the lyrics and their emotional weight.
- Supportive Rhythm Section: The drums and bass provide a steady, gentle rhythm, maintaining the ballad tempo and allowing the emotional narrative to unfold.
- Keyboards/Piano: Keyboards or piano often provide harmonic depth and melodic counterpoints, contributing to the song’s soft and reflective feel.
It’s tender, reflective, and emotionally charged, a classic country ballad about enduring love.
Lyrical themes and atmosphere:
The lyrics of “Even Now” explore the lingering presence of a past love. The narrator reflects on how, even after time has passed, and perhaps new relationships have come and gone, the memory and feeling of a specific person remain deeply ingrained. It speaks to the idea that some loves leave an indelible mark, affecting everything that comes after. The song likely uses imagery that suggests the constant, subtle ways this past love resurfaces in everyday life. The atmosphere is one of wistful nostalgia, a touch of sadness, and a recognition of the enduring power of profound emotional connection, even if the relationship itself is over.
Themes:
- Lingering Love and Memory: The central theme of an ex-lover’s lasting impact.
- Nostalgia: A bittersweet reflection on a past relationship.
- The Power of Connection: How deeply some people can affect our lives.
- Emotional Honesty: A raw admission of still being affected by someone.
- Time’s Inability to Heal All Wounds: The idea that some emotional imprints persist.
“Even Now” is a classic example of Conway Twitty’s talent for crafting songs that delve into the complexities of adult relationships and the enduring power of the heart.
Legacy and impact:
- Late-Career Gem: As the title track of his penultimate album, “Even Now” is a significant song from Twitty’s later years, showcasing his sustained relevance in country music.
- Reflects Twitty’s Signature Style: It perfectly embodies the romantic and sentimental themes that Twitty was famous for, earning him the nickname “The High Priest of Country Music.”
- Fan Favorite: Appeals to fans who appreciate Twitty’s ballads and his ability to convey deep emotion.
- Continues His Legacy: The song reinforces his reputation as one of country music’s greatest male vocalists and interpreters of love songs.
“Even Now” stands as a testament to Conway Twitty’s timeless appeal and his enduring ability to deliver a heartfelt country ballad that resonates with listeners long after the final note fades.
Final thoughts: “Even Now” is a beautifully understated ballad that highlights exactly what made Conway Twitty such a beloved figure in country music. His vocal delivery is pure class – sensitive and nuanced, yet capable of conveying a world of emotion. The song’s gentle melody and polished production provide the perfect backdrop for lyrics that explore the universal experience of a love that simply refuses to be forgotten. It’s a reminder that even as time moves on, some connections leave a mark that endures, making “Even Now” a timeless and deeply touching piece of country music.
Video
Lyrics
“Even Now”
Even now, your memory takes my breath away.
I’d give my heart to relive yesterday
When our love was sometihng new.
And even now, your perfume clings to the pillow where
I reach out for you but no one’s there.
That’s when I have to face the truth.Too many times I lie and make you cry
And never see how it was tearin’ you apart.
Now I see how much I lost
Each day I sadly pay the cost
Of breakin’ both our hearts.Told your friends the next time that she talks to you.
To say I’m so alone and feelin’ blue
And if you want me to I’ll crawl.
So if you find my memory lingers on your mind.
That telephone won’t ring a second time.
I’ll be here waiting for your call.Please come home.
I learned how bad it hurts to be alone.
And how it feels to wake and find love gone.
I’ll make it up to you somehow.I need you here.
And I guess that makes us, even now…