Before the Flood album cover

Bob Dylan – Lay Lady Lay Lyrics

Folk

Lay, lady, lay
Lay across my big brass bed
Lay, lady, lay
Lay across my big brass bed

Whatever colors you have
In your mind
I'll show them to you
And you'll see them shine

Lay, lady, lay
Lay across my big brass bed
Stay, lady, stay
Stay with your man awhile

Until the break of day
Let me see you make him smile

His clothes are dirty, but his-
His hands are clean
And you're the best thing that he's
Ever seen

Stay, lady, stay
Stay with your man awhile

Why wait any longer for the world to begin?
You can have your cake and eat it too
Why wait any longer for the one you love?
When he's standing, in front of you

Lay, lady, lay
Lay across my big brass bed
Stay, lady, stay
Stay while the night is still ahead

I long to see you in the morning light
I long to reach for you in the night

Stay, lady, stay
Stay while the night is still ahead

About This Song

"Lay, Lady, Lay" is a tender, sensual love song that marked Dylan's dramatic shift from folk protest to country-influenced intimacy on his Nashville Skyline album. The lyrics create a warm, inviting atmosphere as the narrator gently coaxes his lover to stay with him, using the recurring image of the "big brass bed" as a symbol of comfort and romantic sanctuary. Musically, the song features a relaxed country arrangement with steel guitar and Dylan's notably smoother, crooning vocal style-a stark departure from his earlier nasal delivery. The song explores themes of desire, devotion, and the simple pleasure of intimate companionship, presenting love as both physical and emotional refuge. It became one of Dylan's biggest mainstream hits and demonstrated his remarkable ability to reinvent himself artistically while maintaining his poetic sensibility.

Comments (1)

  • Juleiyan
    The song still has its unique mysterious power. as if it came straight from The Unknown... possibly a lesson it drives home is how shallow and surface the form of rectitude, or pseudo-rectitude engendered by prudery can be?! The term Wakon or Selig can certainly be applied to the song- not so sure about the orthodox terms Beata or Sanctus, for modal reasons. Possibly in announcing conversion to Xtianity Mr. Dylan was feeling a desire to propel away some from attunement with sections in society which are less purified? Inspired Outrageousness. incredibly funny in a way how it popped up and into prominence; still surfaces from the more recessive play-list! - -Juleiyan