The Seductive Sax: The Meaning Behind The Song “Lily Was Here” by David Stewart featuring Candy Dulfer
The Introduction
David Stewart, one half of the legendary British pop duo Eurythmics, produced one of the most iconic instrumental tracks in the 1980s. Featuring young Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer, “Lily Was Here” was a romantic saxophone ballad that captured the heart of millions in the United States and across the globe. Even after over three decades, this song continues to resonate, and the reasons behind its longevity and success are worth exploring.
Lily Was Here: A Brief History
“Lily Was Here” was the brainchild of David Stewart, who composed the instrumental track for a Dutch film of the same name in 1989. His management asked Dulfer, then 19 years old, to play sax on the track. Candy was a relatively unknown saxophonist in Holland at the time. She played the sultry solo that would become synonymous with the track, and the rest, as they say, is history. After the film’s success, enthusiastic audience demand prompted the release of a vocal version in the UK, which made it to the charts. It went on to become a top 10 hit in the United States, and to this day, it is the biggest-selling instrumental track ever recorded in the United States.
The Meaning Behind “Lily Was Here”
To capture the real meaning behind “Lily Was Here,” it is essential to understand the creative process behind the song. David Stewart composed the instrumental track for Lily’s film in just a few short hours. He was inspired by the sound of the saxophone, which had influences of jazz, funk, and soul music. Candy’s inclusion gave it a modern flair that could be played in both jazz clubs and on a pop radio station. The result was a haunting saxophone melody filled with longing, heartbreak, and unrequited love.
The song’s lyrics, however, tell a different story. The lines tell of a woman whom the protagonist loves but is not his – Lily. The saxophone is the voice of the rejected lover, who is suffering in silence as he watches his love with another man. The saxophone’s melody reflects the searing pain, heartbreak, and unfulfilled longing that the protagonist feels. The song’s instrumental track and lyrics come together to create a hauntingly beautiful tune that has been dubbed one of the most romantic instrumental tracks of all time.
Why “Lily Was Here” Captures the Heart
What makes “Lily Was Here” so special? The answer lies in its simplicity. The sultry saxophone melody is simple enough for anyone to hum, yet it possesses a depth that reflects the pain and heartache of love. It is a song that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Music critics have praised the song’s timeless appeal, with the track proving to be just as popular today as it was when first released back in 1989.
Another reason for the song’s success is Candy Dulfer’s ability to play the saxophone with such an elegant and seductive touch. The young Dutch saxophonist was just 19 when she recorded the track, and her playing was a breath of fresh air that showcased the saxophone in a new light. The saxophone often played a secondary role in bands, but on “Lily Was Here,” it took center stage, emitting a soulful and romantic sound that had not been heard before.
The Legacy of “Lily Was Here”
“Lily Was Here” continues to inspire artists across genres to this day. The seductive and soulful saxophone sound pioneered by Candy Dulfer in the ’80s inspired countless young jazz and funk artists. Many of her saxophone melodies have been used as samples in hip hop songs, and she continues to inspire young musicians to follow in her footsteps. David Stewart’s composition still resonates with audiences across the world, and the song continues to be featured on various TV shows, movies, and advertisements.
Conclusion
“Lily Was Here” is not only an unforgettable instrumental track, but it’s one that has captured the hearts of millions. Its lasting appeal is a testament to the song’s universal message of love, heartache, and unfulfilled longing. David Stewart’s composition and Candy Dulfer’s perfected saxophone technique come together to create a soulful and romantic tune that continues to inspire generations of young saxophonists even today.
