Gene Watson – Love In A Hot Afternoon

About The Song

“Love In A Hot Afternoon” is a country ballad performed by Gene Watson, released in June 1975 as a single on Capitol Records, later included on his album Love in the Hot Afternoon. Written by Kent LaVoie (Lobo) and John Prescott, the 3:22 track tells the story of a spontaneous romantic encounter during a summer afternoon, with lyrics like: “Love came to me on a hot afternoon / In the middle of summer, under a sky so blue.” The song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in September 1975, charting for 15 weeks, and marked Watson’s breakthrough hit. It earned a gold certification from the RIAA for over 500,000 units sold. The track also hit No. 44 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing its crossover appeal.

The song was recorded in 1975 at Jack Clement Recording Studio in Nashville, produced by Watson with Larry Butler. Session musicians included Pete Drake on steel guitar, Hargus “Pig” Robbins on piano, and Tommy Allsup on guitar, per Discogs. The arrangement features a classic country sound with steel guitar, fiddle, and a steady rhythm section. The chord progression is D-G-A, with the refrain “Love came to me on a hot afternoon,” per Ultimate-Guitar. A live version appeared on Gene Watson: Live at Church Street Station (1985), and a 2009 performance was uploaded to YouTube. The song was performed on The Merv Griffin Show in 1975 and remains a staple in Watson’s live shows.

Gene Watson, born Gary Gene Watson on October 11, 1943, in Palestine, Texas, is a veteran country singer known for his smooth baritone and traditional style. He gained prominence with this song, his first major hit, followed by successes like “Fourteen Carat Mind” (1982). Watson charted over 75 singles on the Billboard country charts, with six reaching No. 1. Covers include a 1975 version by Lobo and a 1980 rendition by Johnny Rodriguez, per SecondHandSongs. The song was also featured in a 1976 episode of Hee Haw, with Watson performing live.

The song is available on Spotify, included in the original 1975 release and compilations like 20 Greatest Hits (1996) and Ultimate Collection (2007). YouTube hosts multiple uploads, including a 2010 live clip and a 2023 remastered audio track. Lyrics are documented on Genius and AZLyrics, often noted for their vivid imagery. Fans on ReverbNation have praised its nostalgic appeal, and an X post in 2024 called it “a classic summer love song.” Watson reflected in a 1975 interview with Country Music: “It was my first big break—captured a moment I’ll never forget.”

Video

Lyric

Love came to me on a hot afternoon
In the middle of summer, under a sky so blue
I saw her walkin’ down the street with her bare feet showin’
And love came to me on a hot afternoon

I stopped the car and I asked her for a ride
She smiled a smile that a poor boy couldn’t hide
I asked her name, she said it didn’t matter
And love came to me on a hot afternoon

She said she’d stay till the sun went down
And leave before the night came around
I held her close, I couldn’t believe my good fortune
And love came to me on a hot afternoon

Now the sun goes down and the night comes in
And I’ve lost my love to the winds again
I see her face in every dream I’m knowing
And love came to me on a hot afternoon