The Story Behind the Song that Ruled Country Music for 9 Weeks: David Houston’s “Almost Persuaded”

In 1966, Country music legend David Houston released his award-winning song “Almost Persuaded” as part of his album of the same title. 

Born in Bossier City, Louisiana, David Houston grew up in a family of singers who eventually influenced him to start his music career. He made his debut in 1964 with his song “New Voice from Nashville,” and since then, Houston has continued to make a name for himself in the industry. 

He first hit the No. 1 spot when he released “Almost Persuaded” in 1966, and listeners seem to can’t get enough of it. Upon its release, the song immediately hit the charts, landing at no. 1 on the US Hot Country Singles (Billboard), where the song stayed at the same spot for nine weeks, no. 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and no. 45 on Canada Top Singles (RPM). 

RELATED: David Houston’s 1970 Hit, “Baby Baby (I Know You’re a Lady)”

Some say the success of the song was brought about by Houston’s unique music style. But aside from his pop-friendly Nashville sound, there is no denying that the meaning behind the song is what hooked listeners. 

So to know more about it, let us now dive into the meaning behind David Houston’s song “Almost Persuaded.”

Meaning Behind the Song

Written by Glenn Sutton and Epic Records, the song simply tells the story of a married man who finds himself getting attracted to a beautiful woman in a bar who begs him to take her somewhere far away. 

But before he falls into the temptation, the images of his wife suddenly flash in his mind, causing him to run back home to his family. Since many listeners relate to that feeling of temptation, this song immediately became a hit.

It was one of those few country songs that stayed in the No. 1 spot for weeks. It was only after decades when Taylor Swift’s song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” beat it as one of the longest-charting songs ever recorded. 

So if you haven’t checked out David Houston’s song “Almost Persuaded,” you can listen to it below.