“I’d Really Love to See You Tonight”, Dan and Coley

The Country Version

“I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” is a song popularized by the duo England Dan & John Ford Coley. Parker McGee was the man behind its lyrics. This hit was from England and John’s 1976 album Nights Are Forever. For two weeks, it eventually peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The only song to beat them was Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music”. In that year, Billboard ranked it as the number 21 song overall. It also reached no. 26 in the official UK chart.

When the duo went their separate ways, Coley continued his music career and formed another pop group. On the other hand, Seals faced money debts and tax demands. He struggled hard with his money, then the Internal Revenue Service seized his assets and was declared bankrupt.

To restore his career, Seals moved to Nashville by going back to his roots—country music. He signed a contract with Capitol Records under the name Dan Seals. It was a challenge at first, but in the end he country music listeners developed a fondness for him. From 1983 to early 1990s, the country hit-maker released 16 studio albums. From those albums, more than 20 singles were on the country charts. 11 of those singles reigned the country charts as it occupied the number 1 spot.

The Original

In 1995, Seals re-recorded “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight”, the song that made him popular. This time it was with an acoustic country music style done in tasteful fashion. Seals interpreted it differently but kept the integrity of the composition intact. This song transmitted personal meaning for many people.

One of the most misheard or misinterpreted lyrics were publicly spoken about. Coley said, “This song my former partner, this song was big for us. And I am firmly convinced that the only reason, that this song is as big as it is, was nobody can figure out what we were saying”.

Lyrics’ Interpretation

The Misheard Lyrics:

I’m not talkin’ ‘bout the linen.

The Real Lyrics:

I’m not talkin’ ‘bout movin’ in.

The Misheard Lyrics:

I won’t ask for common sense

So you don’t have to ride

The Real Lyrics:

I won’t ask for promises

So you don’t have to lie