Tom Jones – “Delilah” (1968): A Dark Ballad That Became an Anthem
When Welsh powerhouse Tom Jones unleashed “Delilah” in February 1968, the world was captivated—simultaneously repulsed and enthralled by its theatrical drama. Penned by lyricist Barry Mason and composer Les Reed, the song tells the gut-wrenching story of jealousy and murder, delivered in Jones’s signature thunderous vocal style.
Origins & Creation
- Originally recorded by P.J. Proby in 1967, but he shelved it—not sensing its potential
- British songwriters Les Reed and Barry Mason—longtime collaborators—crafted the brooding narrative; Mason revealed the inspiration came from a teenage holiday romance with a girl named Delia, later transformed into “Delilah.”
Chart Domination
- UK: Peaked at No. 2 in March–April 1968; remained on the charts for 17 weeks, holding top billing in the Top 10 and Top 20 for extended runs.
- Worldwide No. 1: Conquered charts in Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, South Africa, and Ireland.
- Also reached Australia (#3), Canada (#5), New Zealand (#2), Singapore (#6), Spain (#2), Sweden (#2), Italy (#11), and the US (#15 on Billboard Hot 100)
- It was the sixth best-selling single of 1968 in the UK, cementing its status as a flagship hit of that year
Dramatic Impact
- Set to a sweeping flamenco-tinged arrangement and big-band production by Peter Sullivan—an audacious musical choice given there’s no Spanish context in the lyrics.
- Performed with visceral intensity; Jones’s delivery made the absurdly melodramatic narrative feel compelling and almost believable—”absurd in the most entertaining way possible.”
Cultural Legacy & Controversy
- Became a rugby sing-along anthem for Welsh supporters; widely sung at matches and associated with national pride.
- However, its lyrics—depicting a man murdering his lover out of jealousy—sparked criticism for trivializing violence. In 2003, Welsh MP Helen Mary Jones publicly questioned its continued use at sporting events.
- Additionally, the song features in films like Edward Scissorhands (1990) and American Hustle—underscoring its enduring cinematic resonance.
Tom’s Ownership & Stage Presence
- From early in his career to decades later, “Delilah” remained a staple in Tom Jones’s setlists—“a karaoke favourite all over the world.”
- Notably, when live on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1968, censors urged him to alter a suggestive lyric. Jones famously refused, calling it “such bullshit,” insisting on artistic integrity for the dark tale he was telling
Summary
“Delilah” isn’t just a song—it’s a visceral experience. A potent blend of melodrama, heartbreak, and theatrical performance, crowned by one of the most commanding voices in music history. From chart dominance to cultural tradition, a whispered confession to a national anthem—its legacy remains as complex as the emotions it depicts.
Music Legend