Introduction:
A Love Undimmed: The Story Behind Conway Twitty’s “Fifteen Years Ago”
“Fifteen Years Ago,” released in September 1970, wasn’t just a hit song for Conway Twitty, it became his fifth number one on the U.S. country singles chart. But the melancholic tune held a deeper story, exploring themes of lost love and the enduring power of memory.
The songwriter behind the ballad was Raymond Smith. Details about Smith himself are scarce, but his poignant lyrics captured the ache of a love unforgotten. The song opens with a chance encounter that reignites a long-dormant flame. Hearing a name from the past throws the narrator into a turmoil, revealing a love so strong it transcends the passage of fifteen years.
Despite having built a seemingly happy life with a devoted wife, the narrator grapples with the lingering feelings. The weight of his commitment and the pain of the past create an internal conflict. “I’ve got a lovely wife who thinks the world of me / I promised her my love through all eternity,” sings Twitty, “I’ve tried hard to make her happy and so far, she doesn’t know / That I can’t shake this thing of fifteen years ago.”
“Fifteen Years Ago” resonated with audiences, perhaps because it touched a universal chord. The song acknowledges the complexities of love and the impact past relationships can have. While the narrator ultimately chooses to stay with his wife, the lingering emotions paint a portrait of a love that time cannot fully erase.
The song’s success cemented Twitty’s status as a country music legend. “Fifteen Years Ago” continues to be a fan favorite, a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted story and Twitty’s ability to deliver it with sincerity and depth.