Introduction
“Don’t Be Cruel” is a rock and roll song written by Otis Blackwell and recorded by Elvis Presley in 1956. It was released as a double A-side single with “Hound Dog” and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eleven weeks, becoming Presley’s second No. 1 single in the United States. The song was also a major international hit, reaching No. 1 in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Don’t Be Cruel” is a classic example of Presley’s early rock and roll sound, with its driving beat, catchy melody, and Presley’s powerful vocals. The song is also notable for its use of a Jordanaires background vocal arrangement, which added a distinctive touch to Presley’s recordings.
“Don’t Be Cruel” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002 and was ranked No. 197 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Billy Joel.
In 1956, Elvis Presley was already a household name. His previous singles, “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Love Me Tender,” had topped the charts and made him a global sensation. With his signature gyrating dance moves and charismatic stage presence, he was the epitome of rock and roll.
That year, Presley released another double A-side single, “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog.” Both songs were instant hits, but “Don’t Be Cruel” in particular captured the hearts of listeners with its infectious melody and Presley’s impassioned vocals.
The song is a plea to a lover to not be cruel. Presley sings about how much he loves the woman and how he will do anything to make her happy. He begs her to not break his heart and to be true to him.
“Don’t Be Cruel” is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages. It is a powerful song about love and loss, and it is a reminder of why Elvis Presley was the King of Rock and Roll.
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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.
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