About The Song
Title: Don’t Be Cruel
Artist: Elvis Presley
Genre: Rock and Roll, Rockabilly
Release Date: July 1956
Album: Elvis Presley
Writers: Otis Blackwell, Elvis Presley
Key Themes: “Don’t Be Cruel” is a classic rock and roll song that addresses the plea for kindness and consideration in a romantic relationship. The lyrics express the desire for love and respect, urging the partner not to be cruel or unkind. The song captures the upbeat and optimistic spirit of early rock and roll.
Musical Style: Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel” is a quintessential example of rockabilly, a subgenre of rock and roll that combines elements of country, rhythm and blues, and blues. The song features a catchy melody, Elvis’s signature vocals, and a lively arrangement that includes a prominent guitar riff. The upbeat tempo contributes to the song’s danceable and joyful nature.
Cultural Impact: “Don’t Be Cruel” was a massive commercial success and became one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic songs. It topped the charts in the United States and remains one of his best-selling singles. The song’s popularity contributed significantly to Elvis’s rise to fame in the mid-1950s.
Legacy: “Don’t Be Cruel” is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in Elvis Presley’s career and is often cited as one of the defining songs of the rock and roll era. The song’s influence extends beyond its initial release, and it continues to be celebrated for its infectious energy and timeless appeal.
Elvis Presley’s “Don’t Be Cruel” stands as a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll. Its combination of catchy melodies, spirited vocals, and relatable lyrics has solidified its place as a classic that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
“Don’t Be Cruel”
🎵 Let’s sing along with the 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.