Conway Twitty – Fifteen Years Ago

“Fifteen Years Ago” is a song written by Raymond Smith, and recorded by American country music artist Conway Twitty. It was released in September 1970 as the first single and title track from the album Fifteen Years Ago. The song was Twitty’s fifth number one on the U.S. country singles chart. The single stayed at number one for a single week and spent a total of 16 weeks on the chart.

The song is about a man who still thinks about a former girlfriend, with whom he had broken up 15 years earlier after a deep, emotional relationship. His memories of the past are triggered when he runs into an old friend who mentions the ex-girlfriend’s name, and despite his best efforts to make his wife happy he is troubled by his persisting thoughts of the past relationship.

From the album Fifteen Years Ago
B-side “Up Comes the Bottle”
Released September 1970
Recorded April 2, 1970
Bradley’s Barn, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
Genre Country
Length 3:10
Label Decca
Songwriter(s) Raymond Smith
Producer(s) Owen Bradley

Conway Twitty – Fifteen Years Ago Lyrics

I saw a man today who said he talked to you
not so long ago, I think a month or two
as my mind raced back in time I prayed
oh, Lord, don’t let it show
he thinks I forgot you fifteen years ago

Fifteen years ago and I still feel the same
why did he have to mention your name
I’m as broken up inside as if it’s been a week or so
it takes a mighty long time
to get a real love off your mind
I know, I’ve tried since fifteen years ago

I’ve got a lovely wife who thinks the world of me
I promised her my love through all eternity
I’ve tried hard to make her happy
and so far, she doesn’t know
That I can’t shake this thing of fifteen years ago

Fifteen years ago and I still feel the same
why did he have to mention your name
I’m as broken up inside as if it’s been a week or so
It takes a mighty strong love
To keep a man thinking of
A girl he hasn’t seen since fifteen years ago