About The Song
“Where Love Begins” is a country song performed by Gene Watson, released in September 1975 as part of his Capitol Records album Love in the Hot Afternoon. Written by Ray Griff, the 2:50 track depicts a tender, intimate encounter with lyrics like: “Come in, pretty lady, you’ve just made my night / I wasn’t too sure that you’d call.” It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in late 1975, charting for 14 weeks. The song was also released as a single B-side with “Long Enough to Care” and later included in compilations like Best of the Best – 25 Greatest Hits (2012). The narrative focuses on a moment of vulnerability and connection, offering a choice to leave or stay.
The song was recorded in 1975 at Jack Clement Recording Studio in Nashville, produced by Larry Butler. Specific session musicians are not widely documented, but it likely featured Nashville players such as Pete Drake on steel guitar and Hargus “Pig” Robbins on piano, consistent with Watson’s recordings from that period. The arrangement includes acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and a gentle rhythm section. The chord progression is C-F-G, with the chorus “Stay and you’ll find this is where love begins,” per e-chords. A live version was released on Gene Watson: Live at Church Street Station (1985), and a 2018 performance video is available on YouTube.
Gene Watson, born Gary Gene Watson on October 11, 1943, in Palestine, Texas, is a country music singer known for his rich baritone voice. He gained national recognition with this album, following his breakthrough hit “Love in the Hot Afternoon.” Watson charted over 75 singles, with six reaching No. 1 and 23 in the top ten on the Billboard country charts. Covers include a 1975 version by Kenny Starr, per SecondHandSongs, though no major renditions followed. The song was performed live on Hee Haw in 1975 and remains part of Watson’s concert repertoire.
The song is accessible on Spotify, featured in the 1975 album and the 2012 compilation. YouTube hosts uploads like a 2019 video and a 2023 audio track. Lyrics are available on Genius and AZLyrics, often noted for their emotional tone. Fans on ReverbNation have mentioned its appeal in Watson’s early catalog, and an X post on May 10, 2025, called it “a hidden gem from the 70s.” Watson said in a 1975 Country Music interview: “It captured a real moment for me, something personal in the lyrics.”
Video
Lyric
Come in, pretty lady, you’ve just made my night
I wasn’t too sure that you’d call
Sit down and I’ll fix you a drink if you like
It’s late but the morning’s still youngI’m glad you could make it, I hoped you’d get by
I thought about this all week through
What’s that, what’s the matter, what’s making you cry?
You say it’s the first time for youLeave if you’d rather not lose what you came for
Walk out the same door that I let you in
Leave if you’d rather not lose what you came with
Stay and you’ll find this is where love beginsIt’s not like we’re strangers, I’ve kissed your warm lips
But someone was always right there
But now we’re alone so there’s no buts or ifs
Come here, let me take down your hairLeave if you’d rather not lose what you came for
Walk out the same door that I let you in
Leave if you’d rather not lose what you came with
Stay and you’ll find this is where love begins