Introduction
“Don’t Be Cruel” by Elvis Presley: A 1956 Rock and Roll Classic
“Don’t Be Cruel” is a 1956 rock and roll song written by Otis Blackwell and recorded by Elvis Presley. It was released as the B-side to Presley’s single “Hound Dog” and became an instant hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is considered one of Presley’s signature songs and is one of the most popular rock and roll songs of all time.
The song was written by Otis Blackwell, a songwriter who was known for his ability to write songs that captured the essence of the rock and roll sound. Blackwell had written several other hits for Presley, including “Ready Teddy” and “Tutti Frutti.”
“Don’t Be Cruel” was recorded at Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood, California, on July 2, 1956. The session was produced by Sam Phillips and featured Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Haley on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums.
“Don’t Be Cruel” was released in September 1956 and quickly became a hit. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October 1956 and remained on the chart for 20 weeks. The song was also a hit in the United Kingdom, where it reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.
“Don’t Be Cruel” is considered one of the most important and influential rock and roll songs of all time. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 and was ranked number 197 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Aretha Franklin.
“Don’t Be Cruel” is a classic rock and roll song that has stood the test of time. It is a song about love, loss, and heartbreak, and it has resonated with audiences for generations. The song is also a testament to the songwriting genius of Otis Blackwell and the vocal prowess of Elvis Presley.
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Lyrics
You know I can be found,
Sitting home all alone,
If you can’t come around,
At least please telephone.
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.Baby, if I made you mad
For something I might have said,
Please, let’s forget my past,
The future looks bright ahead,
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
I don’t want no other love,
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of.Don’t stop thinking of me,
Don’t make me feel this way,
Come on over here and love me,
You know what I want you to say.
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
Why should we be apart?
I really love you baby, cross my heart.Let’s walk up to the preacher
And let us say I do,
Then you’ll know you’ll have me,
And I’ll know that I’ll have you,
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
I don’t want no other love,
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of.Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true.
I don’t want no other love,
Baby it’s just you I’m thinking of.