Introduction:
Daytime Friends (1977), a poignant country ballad sung by the legendary Kenny Rogers, became a defining song in his expansive career. Released in August 1977 as the lead single from the album of the same name, Daytime Friends marked a significant moment for Rogers as he continued to establish himself as a solo artist after his departure from the successful group The First Edition.
Daytime Friends was written by songwriter Ben Peters and produced by Larry Butler. The melancholic tune explores the complexities of a clandestine relationship that can only thrive under the light of day. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of stolen moments and hidden feelings, leaving the listener to ponder the reasons behind the secrecy surrounding the romance. Daytime Friends resonated with audiences, likely due to its relatable portrayal of a love that cannot be fully embraced.
The song’s success was undeniable. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying Rogers’ place within the genre. Daytime Friends also achieved crossover success, climbing to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, showcasing its broader appeal. This accomplishment further solidified Rogers’ growing reputation as a versatile artist who could deliver impactful music that transcended genre limitations.
Daytime Friends laid the groundwork for continued chart success for Rogers throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of relatable storytelling and Rogers’ distinctive vocals that delivered both tenderness and a touch of grit. Daytime Friends continues to be a cherished song in Rogers’ vast catalog, a melancholic ballad that lingers in the memory long after the last note fades.
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Lyrics:
And he’ll tell her he’s working late againBut she knows too well there’s something going onShe’s been neglected, and she needs a friendSo her trembling fingers dial the telephone
Lord, it hurts her doing this againHe’s the best friend that her husband ever knewWhen she’s lonely, he’s more than just a friendHe’s the one she longs to give her body to
Daytime friends and nighttime loversHoping no one else discoversWhere they go, what they do, in their secret hideawayDaytime friends and nighttime loversThey don’t want to hurt the othersSo they love in the nighttimeAnd shake hands in the light of day
When it’s over, there’s no peace of mindJust a longing for the way things should have beenAnd she wonders why some men never findThat a woman needs a lover and a friend
Daytime friends and nighttime loversHoping no one else discoversWhere they go, what they do, in their secret hideawayDaytime friends and nighttime loversThey don’t want to hurt the othersSo they love in the nighttimeAnd shake hands in the light of day
Daytime friends and nighttime loversHoping no one else discoversWhere they go, what they do, in their secret hideawayDaytime friends and nighttime loversThey don’t want to hurt the othersSo they love in the nighttimeAnd shake hands in the light of day
Daytime friends and nighttime loversHoping no one else discoversWhere they go, what they do, in their secret hideaway