Introduction
I recall a road trip through the American South, where country music stations filled the airwaves with tales of love, loss, and life’s unpredictable turns. One song that stood out was Ricky Van Shelton’s “Crime of Passion,” a narrative that encapsulates the storytelling essence of country music.
About The Composition
- Title: Crime of Passion
- Composer: Walt Aldridge and Mac McAnally
- Release Date: April 18, 1987
- Album: Wild-Eyed Dream
- Genre: Country
Background
“Crime of Passion” was released as the second single from Ricky Van Shelton’s debut album, Wild-Eyed Dream. The song showcases the collaborative writing talents of Walt Aldridge and Mac McAnally. Upon its release, it resonated with audiences, spending nineteen weeks on the Hot Country Singles charts and peaking at number 7. This track played a pivotal role in establishing Shelton’s presence in the country music scene.
Musical Style
The song embodies classic country elements with its straightforward structure and instrumentation. The arrangement features traditional country instruments that complement Shelton’s rich baritone voice, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the song. The tempo and melody align seamlessly with the narrative, drawing listeners into the unfolding drama.
Lyrics
The lyrics tell the story of a drifter who becomes entangled with a young woman driving a Cadillac Eldorado convertible. She persuades him to rob a gas station, but after the heist, she betrays him to the authorities. The vivid imagery and character development in the lyrics paint a compelling picture of deception and misplaced trust.
Performance History
Since its release, “Crime of Passion” has been a notable entry in Shelton’s repertoire. Its success on the charts and its inclusion in his performances have cemented its status as a memorable country song from the late 1980s.
Cultural Impact
While “Crime of Passion” may not have reached mainstream pop culture, it holds significance within the country music community. It exemplifies the genre’s tradition of storytelling and has influenced aspiring songwriters and artists who aim to capture similar narrative depth in their work.
Legacy
The song remains a testament to Ricky Van Shelton’s impact on country music during his career. It continues to be appreciated by fans for its engaging story and classic country sound, reflecting the timeless nature of well-crafted narratives in music.
Conclusion
“Crime of Passion” is a song that encapsulates the essence of country storytelling, blending engaging lyrics with traditional musical elements. For those interested in exploring this piece further, I recommend listening to the track on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music . Additionally, watching live performances or lyric videos on YouTube can provide a deeper appreciation of the song’s narrative and musical composition
Video
Lyrics
She had a rag-top Eldorado, “tuck-in-row pleat”.
She picked me up in Colorado…and put me right in the drivers seat.
I said “I got no money…you know I got no job”.
She said “I tell you what honey…let’s find a place to rob”.
Now the man at the station’s name was Jim…I saw it sewed on his shirt.
I told him “do what I say…you’ll live another day…nobody’s gotta get
hurt”.
It was a crime of passion.
She took me by the heart when she took me by the hand.
Crime of passion.
A beautiful woman and a desperate man.
Well I thought the thing was over…she was countin’ the cash.
When an unmarked Chevy Nova, made the blue lights flash.
She said “officer? Would you help me please?”
I looked at her…and she was pointin’ at me.
You see Jim at the station played his part…he talked a little perjury.
He went to great pains…to leave out a name…he was a future ex-husband
…can’t you see?
It was a crime of passion.
She took me by the heart when she took me by the hand.
Crime of passion.
A beautiful woman and a desperate man.
Now the cop at the station’s name was Joe…saw it on his badge on his shirt.
He said “you’ll never get away…just do what we say…nobody’s gotta get
hurt.”
It was a crime of passion.
She took me by the heart when she took me by the hand.
Crime of passion.
A beautiful woman and a desperate man.
Crime of passion…
It was a crime of passion…