About the song
Released in 1957, **”Don’t Be Cruel”** is one of **Elvis Presley**’s most iconic and enduring hits. This song showcases the unique blend of rockabilly, rhythm and blues, and pop that made **Elvis** an international sensation during the 1950s. Written by **Otis Blackwell** and **Elvis Presley** himself, **”Don’t Be Cruel”** quickly became a defining track of **Presley’s** career, further cementing his status as the King of Rock and Roll.
The track is a quintessential example of Elvis’s ability to convey deep emotional resonance while maintaining an upbeat and catchy tune. Its infectious melody is driven by a signature combination of energetic guitar riffs, a steady drum beat, and, of course, Elvis’s powerful and tender vocal performance. The song’s lyrics tell a story of a man pleading with his lover not to break his heart, a theme that resonates across generations, making it a timeless classic.
What sets **”Don’t Be Cruel”** apart from many of the era’s other hits is the emotional vulnerability that Elvis brings to the song. Unlike many pop songs of the time that leaned heavily on surface-level sentimentality, this track offers a rawness and sincerity in its plea for forgiveness. The blend of swagger and vulnerability in **Elvis Presley’s** voice was revolutionary at the time and would come to define the emotional depth that would later characterize much of rock and roll.
The impact of **”Don’t Be Cruel”** extends far beyond its initial release. The song not only topped the charts for several weeks but also contributed to the shaping of **Elvis Presley**’s persona as the rebellious yet sensitive heartthrob of American music. Over the years, the track has been covered by countless artists and remains a fixture in the musical legacy of one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music.
For anyone familiar with the golden age of rock and roll, **”Don’t Be Cruel”** represents more than just a hit record – it is a piece of cultural history that encapsulates the essence of the era and the artistry of **Elvis Presley** at the height of his power.
Video
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, mmh
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
