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Introduction
Elvis Presley’s renowned song, “Don’t Be Cruel,” is a heartfelt love song with a touch of playfulness. The lyrics begin with Elvis pleading with the girl to give him a call if she intends to leave him alone. As the song progresses, he transitions to proposing marriage, expressing his unwavering love. Driven by his deep affection, he asserts his entitlement to her affections, urging her not to be cruel to a true heart.
The songwriter behind this hit is Otis Blackwell, known for crafting several successful songs for Elvis, including “Return To Sender,” “All Shook Up,” and “One Broken Heart for Sale.” Additionally, Blackwell penned hits like “Fever” for Peggy Lee and “Great Balls of Fire” for Jerry Lee Lewis. Unfortunately, Blackwell passed away in 2002 at the age of 70.
On Christmas Eve in 1955, Otis Blackwell, facing a challenging situation on the cold streets of New York City, managed to sell six songs, including “Don’t Be Cruel,” to Shalimar Music for $25 each. These demos reached Elvis, who, on July 2, 1956, recorded “Hound Dog” and, needing a flip side, chose “Don’t Be Cruel.” The song’s quick adoption as an A-side with “Hound Dog” marked the beginning of Elvis’s rise to fame.
Despite Elvis’s growing popularity, it’s noteworthy that “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Hound Dog” achieved a rare feat, becoming the only single in history with both sides reaching #1 in the US. Joel Whitburn, an authority on chart history, emphasized this accomplishment. Elvis’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, ensured that Elvis received half the publishing on any recorded song, providing Blackwell with a substantial payday.
The song’s success continued with various cover versions, including Bill Black’s instrumental version in 1960, Barbara Lynn’s R&B rendition in 1963, Cheap Trick’s rock cover reaching #4 in 1988, and The Judds’ popular 1987 country cover peaking at #10 on the charts.
Released on July 13, 1956, just 11 days after recording, “Don’t Be Cruel” reached #1 in America within a month, showcasing Elvis’s rapid ascent to stardom. This achievement, during a time of slow nationwide distribution, foreshadowed Elvis’s sensational career. In 2002, the song earned a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its lasting impact on music history.
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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.