The Tanya Tucker Delta Dawn song was released in 1972,. Country music starlet Tanya Tucker was newly signed to the Epic Records label in 1972 when she recorded “Delta Dawn”. “Delta Dawn” is a classic country music tune that has stood the test of time since its release in 1972. The song tells the story of a young woman who is still waiting for her love to return, even though he has long forgotten about her.
Originally written by songwriter Alex Harvey and rockabilly singer Larry Collins, the song draws from the traditional Scottish song “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond.” Before Tanya’s recording, Bette Milder sang “Delta Dawn” on The Tonight Show. Nashville producer Billy Sherill heard Milder’s performance, and wanted her to sign with Epic to record the song. But, Milder was already signed to Atlantic, so the song went to Tucker. This song reached #6 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1972.
“Delta Dawn” tells of a 41-year-old Southern Belle who has since faded from beauty. She lives in Brownsville, Tenn. and regularly “walks down town with a suitcase in her hand / looking for a mysterious dark haired man”.
The Delta Dawn “encore version” became the most popular country music video of Tanya’s career with over 11 million views as of February of 2024. Enjoy the Tanya Tucker Delta Dawn audio videos below.
Tanya Tucker Delta Dawn Music Video (1990 Encore Version)
Tanya Tucker Delta Dawn Music Video
Tanya Tucker Delta Dawn Lyrics
Delta Dawn what’s that flower you have on?
Could it be a faded rose from days gone by?
And did I hear you say he was ameetin’ you here today
To take you to his mansion in the sky
She’s forty one and her daddy still calls her baby
All the folks around Brownsville say she’s crazy
‘Cause she walks downtown with a suitcase in her hand
Lookin’ for a mysterious dark-haired man
In her younger days they called her Delta Dawn
Prettiest woman you ever laid eyes on
Then a man of low degree stood by her side
And promised her he’d take her for his bride
Delta Dawn what’s that flower you have on?
Could it be a faded rose from days gone by?
And did I hear you say he was ameetin’ you here today
To take you to his mansion in the sky
“Delta Dawn” has become a staple of country music radio, and it has been covered by a variety of artists. However, it is Tanya Tucker’s version that remains the definitive rendition, and it has secured her place as one of country music’s most beloved performers. In conclusion, “Delta Dawn” is a timeless classic that has endured for over four decades. Its poignant lyrics, evocative melody, and strong musical elements have made it a beloved country music standard. Tanya Tucker’s powerful vocals and youthful charm helped to launch her career, and the song remains a testament to her enduring talent.
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