Tag: Sip The Wine

I have had someone ask me my favorite singer from The Band. I always say that it depends on the song. They were brilliant in dividing up who would sing what. Robbie Robertson would write songs for one of their three top-notch singers. He knew exactly how to divide them up. Danko had one of the most recognizable voices of the bunch because it was so soulful and unique. 

I first heard this song in The Last Waltz. Martin Scorsese was interviewing Danko in the control room and asked him what he was doing now. He started to play this song and turned it up. It’s always stuck with me. After seeing the film this past Thanksgiving I thought I would write it up.

During the Last Waltz, Danko was working on a self-titled solo album. He was the first member of the band to release one. He did have some help with Eric Clapton, Ronnie Wood, Blondie Chapman, Doug Sahm, and members of The Band. An ad for the record claimed, “Once you get a taste of Rick Danko, you’ll never get enough.” Unfortunately, the album didn’t have much commercial success. This song was written by Tim Drummond and was originally called To Lay Down Beside You and it was originally recorded by Joe Simon. Ronnie Wood played the solo on this song. 

At the time the album was released in 1977, disco and punk music were dominating the airwaves. The album contains different kinds of genres but not punk and disco. 

Rick Danko: “We’ve been together for 15 or 16 years and I for one wouldn’t stop making albums with the Band. Just so long as the Band wants to continue making records, I’ll be there.” 

Sip The Wine

I want to lay down beside you
I want to hold your body close to mine
Like a grape that grows ripe in the sunshine
There comes a time when we must sip the wine

I can tell by looking you’re not mine, girl
I believe everything I told you was true
There’s a child here that wants to start livin’
Well, you know that this child will get its start
From me and you

(Close your eyes)
Now close your eyes
And don’t you think of nothing
(Let your thoughts)
Let your thoughts remain here
Inside this room
(Lay your head)
Lay your head beside me on my pillow
And I will share this night with you

(We must sip the wine)
Til it feels alright
(We must sip the wine)
Into the night
(We must sip the wine)
Together

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