Conway Twitty, born Harold Lloyd Jenkins in 1933, was a prominent figure in country and rock and roll music. He transitioned from a promising rockabilly career in the late 1950s to become a country music icon in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Twitty was known for his smooth baritone voice and often tackled themes of love, heartbreak, and, perhaps controversially, adult intimacy with a frankness rarely seen in country music at the time. He amassed an impressive collection of awards throughout his career, including multiple Country Music Association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards, along with numerous Grammy nominations. He consistently topped the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying his status as a chart-topping force.
One of his most iconic and talked-about songs is “You’ve Never Been This Far Before,” released in 1973. This ballad, steeped in sultry tension, explores the delicate and somewhat taboo topic of a couple navigating the boundaries of physical intimacy. The lyrics detail a man and woman who are in a committed relationship but have seemingly never engaged in sex. The song describes their passionate embrace and the decision of whether or not to take their relationship further. The song’s central question is implied in the title: it’s a point of no return, suggesting a pivotal moment in their relationship.
Upon its release, “You’ve Never Been This Far Before” sparked considerable controversy. Some listeners and radio stations found the song too explicit and suggestive for its time, leading to bans in certain areas. However, others praised Twitty for his honesty and willingness to address mature themes that resonated with many adults. Despite the controversy, the song became a massive success, topping the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart for three weeks. This proves that the audience was also captivated by the song’s story. To this day, it remains a significant song for Twitty.
