Can I Sleep in Your Arms

Last updated
"Can I Sleep in Your Arms"
Jeannie Seely--Can I Sleep in Your Arms.jpg
Single by Jeannie Seely
from the album Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies
ReleasedJune 1973
Genre Country [1] [2]
Length3:35
Label MCA
Songwriter(s) Hank Cochran
Producer(s) Walter Haynes
Jeannie Seely singles chronology
"Farm in Pennsyltucky"
(1972)		"Can I Sleep in Your Arms"
(1973)		"Lucky Ladies"
(1973)

"Can I Sleep in Your Arms" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single in 1973, it placed in the top ten of the US and Canadian country song charts. It also served as the title track to her 1973 studio album. The song became Seely's first top ten country single in several years and her final top ten release as well. The song was adapted from a hobo tune and a folk standard. It received reviews from several publications following its release.

Contents

Background, composition and recording

Jeannie Seely first rose to country music success with the 1966 single "Don't Touch Me", a number two-charting song and a Grammy Award-winner. She had a series of top 20 (and occasionally top ten) recordings through the 1970s both as a solo artist and as a duet team with Jack Greene. Many of Seely's recordings were penned by songwriter Hank Cochran, [3] whom she was married to at one point. [4]

According to Seely's official website, the couple were riding on their houseboat when the idea for the song came to be. In an attempt to get Cochran's attention, Seely shouted out "can I sleep on your boat tonight mister". [5] Cochran then wrote the lyrics for "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" based off a hobo ballad titled "May I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight Mister". [6] The melody was then borrowed from the folk tune "Red River Valley". [4] [2] Cochran is given full credit on the song's recording for both words and music. [7] The track was produced by Walter Haynes. [7] [8]

Critical reception

"Can I Sleep in Your Arms" was given positive reviews from critics. Billboard magazine named it among its "Top Single Picks" in June 1973, writing, "When Jeannie Seely sings a Hank Cochran song, things happen. This record happens, and showcases her many abilities." [1] Cash Box named it among its "Picks of the Week" in June 1973 and found it to sound like a "classic-sounding country ballad". The publication also highlighted "Jeannie's tender treatment and a smooth, easy-going arrangement". [2] Music publication The Boot named it on a list of the "Top 5 Jeannie Seely Songs", placing it in the number two slot, noting its "modern sound infused with Seely's soulful vocals". [4]

Release, chart performance and other versions

"Can I Sleep in Your Arms" was released as a single by MCA Records in June 1973. It was distributed as a seven-inch vinyl single which featured a B-side titled "He'll Love the One He's With". [7] The single debuted on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on July 7, 1973 and spent a total of 18 weeks there. On October 6, it reached the number six position on the chart. "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" became Seely's first single since 1970's "Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" (with Jack Greene) to make the country top ten and her first top ten as a solo artist since 1968's "I'll Love You More (Than You Need)". It would also be her final song to reach the Billboard country top ten. [9] In addition, "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" reached number four on Canada's RPM Country Tracks chart, becoming her first (and only) top ten single there. [10]

The song served as a title track to Seely's 1973 studio album Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies . [11] Seely re-recorded "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" once on her 1981 Greatest Hits album [12] and once more on her 2020 An American Classic album. [13] Willie Nelson covered the song for his 1975 album Red Headed Stranger and explained that the song fit with his project's conceptual themes about religion. [14]

Track listings

7" vinyl single [7]

Charts

Weekly charts

Weekly chart performance for "Can I Sleep in Your Arms"
Chart (1973)Peak
position
Canada Country Tracks ( RPM ) [10] 4
US Hot Country Songs ( Billboard ) [15] 6

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeannie Seely</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1940)

Marilyn Jeanne Seely is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress and author. Primarily identified with country music, Seely found success with the Grammy Award-winning song "Don't Touch Me" (1966). Her soul-inspired vocal delivery gave her the nickname of "Miss Country Soul". Seely has been a member of and performer on the Grand Ole Opry, having appeared more times on the program than any other performer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Touch Me</span> 1966 single by Jeannie Seely

"Don't Touch Me" is a song written by Hank Cochran. It was originally written for and recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. The song was released as a single on Monument Records in March 1966 and became a major Billboard country hit. "Don't Touch Me" became Seely's signature song and her biggest hit as a solo artist. It would later appear on her debut studio album and be re-recorded by Seely in later years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeannie Seely discography</span>

The discography of American country artist Jeannie Seely contains 17 studio albums, four compilation albums, one soundtrack album, four music videos, 17 album appearances and 36 singles. Her first singles were for the Challenge label before 1966's "Don't Touch Me". The latter reached number two on the US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and her only single to reach the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 85. The song was included on her debut studio album titled The Seely Style (1966), which reached number eight on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Only Love (Jeannie Seely song)</span> 1966 single by Jeannie Seely

"It's Only Love" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released by Monument Records as a single in September 1966, rising to the US country songs top 20. It was given positive reviews from music publications following its release and was included on her debut studio album The Seely Style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Wanderin' Man</span> 1966 single by Jeannie Seely

"A Wanderin' Man" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single by Monument Records, it reached the top 20 of the US country songs chart in 1967. It was Seely's third top 20 single in her career and was given positive reviews from music magazines following its release. It appeared on her second studio album called Thanks, Hank!.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'll Love You More (Than You Need)</span> 1967 single by Jeannie Seely

"I'll Love You More (Than You'll Need)" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country singer Jeannie Seely. Released in 1968 as a single by Monument Records, it became her third top ten single on the US country chart songs chart. The song also served as the title track to Seely's 1968 studio album I'll Love You More and received a positive response from critics following its release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucky Ladies (song)</span> 1973 single by Jeannie Seely

"Lucky Ladies" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single by MCA Records, it placed in the top 20 on both the US and Canadian country charts in 1974. The song was adapted from the song "Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies" and received reviews from music magazines following its release. It was the second single spawned from Seely's studio album Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies.

<i>The Seely Style</i> 1966 studio album by Jeannie Seely

The Seely Style is the debut studio album of American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released in September 1966 by Monument Records and was produced by Fred Foster. The album consisted of 12 songs, many of which were covers of songs from the era including some written by Hank Cochran. The lead single, "Don't Touch Me" was also penned by Cochran and became Seely's first commercial success as a recording artist. The album itself reached the top ten on the US country chart. Both Billboard and Cash Box reviewed the album following its original release.

<i>Thanks, Hank!</i> 1967 studio album by Jeannie Seely

Thanks, Hank! is a studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released in May 1967, by Monument Records and was produced by Fred Foster. The album contained songs written entirely by songwriter Hank Cochran, some of which were cover tunes while others were new tracks. Among the new tracks were two singles: the top 20 country song "A Wanderin' Man" and the charting song "These Memories". The LP also made the top 20 of the US country chart. The album received reviews from AllMusic, Cash Box and Record World following its release.

<i>Ill Love You More</i> 1968 studio album by Jeannie Seely

I'll Love You More is a studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released by Monument Records in February 1968 and was the third studio album of her career. The project consisted of 11 tracks whose themes centered on heartbreak. Six of the songs were written by Hank Cochran, who helped launch Seely's recording career. Two of the songs were originally singles: "When It's Over" and the title track. The latter single reached the top ten on the US country songs chart in 1968. The album itself reached the top 40 of the US country albums chart following its release. It received reviews and ratings from Billboard, Cash Box and AllMusic.

<i>Little Things</i> (Jeannie Seely album) 1968 studio album by Jeannie Seely

Little Things is a studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released in December 1968, by Monument Records and was co-produced by Fred Foster and Jim Malloy. The record was Seely's fourth studio album released in her career and included three singles issued prior to the LP: "Welcome Home to Nothing", "How Is He?" and the title track. Little Things placed inside the top 40 on the US country albums chart and received reviews from both Billboard and Cash Box magazines.

<i>Jeannie Seely</i> (1969 album) 1969 studio album by Jeannie Seely

Jeannie Seely is an eponymous studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released by Decca Records in April 1969 and was her fifth studio album. The 11-track collection featured songs written by Hank Cochran and others. Many of the songs were cover tunes, with some exceptions such as "Just Enough to Start Me Dreamin'". The latter was the album's only single and made an appearance on the US country chart in 1969. The eponymous release was Seely's first for the Decca label and received reviews from Billboard, Cash Box and Record World magazines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You</span> 1969 single by Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely

"Wish I Didn't Have to Miss You" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Dave Kirby. It was originally and released as a duet by American country music artists Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely. Released as a single in October 1969, the song became a number two song on the US country chart in early 1970. The song was given positive reviews from Billboard and Cash Box magazines and would influence the making of their debut studio album in 1970.

<i>Two for the Show</i> (Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely album) 1973 studio album by Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely

Two for the Show is a studio album by American country music artists Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely. It was released in January 1973, by Decca Records. It was pair's second studio album as a duet team. The album included two singles that reached the US and Canadian country songs top 20 between 1971 and 1973: "Much Oblige" and "What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love". The latter was co-written by Hank Cochran, who contributed to four additional tracks on the album. Two for the Show also made the US country albums top 40.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love</span> 1972 single by Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely

"What in the World Has Gone Wrong with Our Love" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Johnny Slate. It was recorded as a duet by American country music artists Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely. It was released as a single by Decca Records in 1972, rising into the top 20 on both the US and Canadian country songs charts. It was the third and final single to make a chart appearance by the duo.

<i>Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies</i> 1973 studio album by Jeannie Seely

Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies is a studio album by American country artist Jeannie Seely. It was released by MCA Records in November 1973 and was her ninth studio project. It consisted of 11 tracks, four of which were written by songwriter Hank Cochran. Among the tracks were six songs originally released as singles: "Tell Me Again", "Alright I'll Sign the Papers", "Pride", "Farm in Pennsyltucky", "Can I Sleep in Your Arms" and "Lucky Ladies". Its highest-charting singles were the latter two releases, reaching the US country top ten and top 20 respectively. The album itself made the top 20 of the US country chart during the same period. The project received reviews from music publications following its original release.

"When It's Over" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single by Monument Records, it reached the top 40 of the US country songs chart in 1967. It was given a positive review from Cash Box magazine following its release and was included on her studio album I'll Love You More.

"Welcome Home to Nothing" is a song written by Hank Cochran that was originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single by Monument Records, it reached the top 40 of the US country songs chart in 1968. It was given a positive review from Cash Box magazine following its release and was included on her studio album Little Things.

"I Miss You" is a song written by Hank Cochran and Cliff Cochran that was recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single, it reached the top 40 of the US country songs chart in 1974. It was among her final top 40 country chart entries and received reviews from both Billboard and Record World magazines.

"He Can Be Mine" was a song written and originally recorded by American country artist Jeannie Seely. Released as a single in 1974 by MCA Records, it reached the top 40 of the US country chart and the top 20 of the Canadian country chart. It was given reviews from both Billboard and Cashbox magazines.

References

  1. 1 2 "Billboard's Top Single Picks: Country" (PDF). Billboard . June 9, 1973. p. 58. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 "C&W Singles Reviews: Picks of the Week" (PDF). Cash Box . June 9, 1973. p. 49. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  3. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Jeannie Seely Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 Horton, Carrie. "Top 5 Jeannie Seely Songs". The Boot. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  5. ↑ "Discography: An American Classic". Jeannie Seely.com. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  6. ↑ Bufwack, Mary A.; Oermann, Robert K. (2003). Finding Her Voice: Women in Country Music: 1800–2000 . Nashville, TN: The Country Music Press & Vanderbilt University Press. p. 302. ISBN   0-8265-1432-4.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Seely, Jeannie (June 1973). ""Can I Sleep in Your Arms"/"He'll Love the One He's With" (7" vinyl single)". MCA Records . MCA-40074.
  8. ↑ "Country Music Report: Country Artist of the Week: Jeannie Seely" (PDF). Cashbox . September 8, 1973. p. 33. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  9. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research.
  10. 1 2 "Search results for "Jeannie Seely" under Country Singles". RPM . Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  11. ↑ Seely, Jeannie (November 1973). " Can I Sleep in Your Arms/Lucky Ladies (Liner Notes)". MCA Records . MCA-385 (LP Stereo).
  12. ↑ Greene, Jack; Seely, Jeannie (1982). "Greatest Hits (Liner Notes)". Gusto Records . GT-0092 (LP Stereo).
  13. ↑ Seely, Jeannie (August 14, 2020). " An American Classic (Liner Notes)". Curb Records . 02-79535 (compact disc).
  14. ↑ Nelson, Willie; Ritz, David (2015). It's A Long Story: My Life. Little, Brown and Company. p. 243. ISBN   978-0-316-33931-5.
  15. ↑ "Jeannie Seely Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.