This week for Song Lyric Sunday, Jim Adams has prompted us with songs pertaining to Did/Didn’t/Do/Don’t/Does/Doesn’t . I’ve got a twofer for you today & I might not be the only one who does these songs.
I was not born when either of these songs came out, but I grew up to Elvis music, along with country music because my mom was a huge fan of both. I sometimes feel I was born and grew up in the wrong decade. While I love country music & usually present country music for Song Lyric Sunday, I simply couldn’t or is that I didn’t? Did you know that in Elvis’ early days, Elvis would change the lines of some of the songs written by others and was given co-writing credit for songs like “Don’t Be Cruel”.
“Don’t” was written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller. These two gentlemen wrote many hit songs for Elvis and other artist. Their resume is long.
“Don’t” was released in 1958 and became Elvis’ eleventh hit & was ranked #3 on the Billboard charts for 1958. It also reached #4 on the R&B charts. “Don’t” was used in the movie “Dave” starring Kevin Kline as he played the President of the United States and had a heart attack while making love to his mistress inside the White House.
Don't
Don't, don't, that's what you say
Each time that I hold you this way
When I feel like this and I want to kiss you
Baby, don't say don't
Don't, don't leave my embrace
For here in my arms is your place
When the night grows cold and I want to hold you
Baby, don't say don't
If you think that this is just a game
I'm playing
If you think that I don't mean
Every word I'm saying
Don't, don't, don't, don't
Don't feel that way
I'm your love and yours I will stay
This you can believe
I will never leave you
Heaven knows I won't
Baby, don't say don't
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Jerry Leiber / Mike Stoller
Dont lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave
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“Don’t be Cruel” was written by Otis Blackwell and recorded by Elvis Presley in 1956. It was released on July 13, 1956 as a single backed with “Hound Dog” and became #1 on the Pop, Country & R&B charts. After a few weeks, “Hound Dog” overtook “Don’t be Cruel” (ironic), had gotten to #2 on the Pop Charts and hit sales of over one million. Between the A & B sides of this 45, they were in the #1 slot on the Pop charts for 11 weeks. In 1961, “Don’t Be Cruel” became Presley’s biggest selling single recorded in 1956 with over 6 million records sold. “Don’t Be Cruel” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.
Don't Be Cruel
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 the 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
Written by Otis Blackwell
Our Eyes Open 
Comments
14 responses to ““Don’t” & “Don’t be Cruel” by Elvis Presley”
Lisa, I always extend SLS by asking my husband and my daughter what songs come to mind for them (always after I have chosen mine). “Don’t” is the one my daughter chose and I was surprised she knew it. Once she said that, I immediately thought of “Don’t Cry Daddy”, another heartbreaker Elvis song. Good choices for today!
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Thanks Maggie! I thought of that one too and I guess I could have done the triple threat. LOL!
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Like you, I am a retro-fan of 50s music that was pretty much before my time, though my much-older sibs played it while I toddled around cluelessly! I have always liked Don’t Be Cruel and another song that strikes me as similar, “Teddy Bear.”
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There are so many. I forgot to add it in the post, but if listen all the way through Don’t Be Cruel, Elvis sings Love Me Tender.
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Lisa thanks for joining in again and adding these great Elvis tunes. Elvis could really sing!
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I don’t remember ever hearing that first one, but it is a good one.
The second one is just wonderful to listen to again. 🙂
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Two excellent Elvis tunes. “Don’t” is one of my favorite songs by him. Such a well-written and heart-wrenching song. I love the backup singers in this as well.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it. The backup singers on a lot of his songs are awesome! ❤️
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Great classic choices! 😊👍
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Thank you! 😊
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I was a teenager when Elvis came on the scene…the best!
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Guess you were one of those screaming girls. Oh how I wish I had been a teenager back then.
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I never saw him in person but still swooned
😜
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Yes, swooned! That was me as a young girl. I swooned dancing in my bedroom listening to my moms records on my record player. I liked the young Elvis. The time was early to mid 70’s. He was still performing as his health deteriorated. Even as a kid, I knew something was wrong with him.
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