Throwing back to the week of September 5, 1956, we find Elvis Presley atop the Billboard Top 100 with ‘Don’t Be Cruel.’ This was the first of seven straight weeks at #1 for the song.
This was Presley’s top-performing song of 1956, a year that saw the release of ‘Hound Dog,’ ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ ‘I Want You, I Need You, I Love You,’ ‘Blue Suede Shoes,’ ‘Love Me Tender,’ and many more.
‘Don’t Be Cruel’ was written by Otis Blackwell, who wrote million-selling songs for several artists but never had a hit record under his own name. He gave Presley co-writing credit on the track, a common practice in Elvis’ early years. There was a lot of money to be had when Elvis performed your song, and the price was half of your royalties.
Old songs. Great memories.
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You know I can be found
Sitting home all alone
If you can’t come around
At least please telephone
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
[Verse 2]
Baby, if I made you mad
For something I might have said
Please, let’s forget my past
The future looks bright ahead
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
[Refrain]
I don’t want no other love
Baby, it’s just you I’m thinkin’ of
Mmmm
[Verse 3]
Don’t stop thinking of me
Don’t make me feel this way
C’mon over here and love me
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
[Refrain]
Why should we be apart?
I really love you, baby, cross my heart
[Verse 4]
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
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
[Refrain]
I don’t want no other love
Baby, it’s just you I’m thinkin’ of
[Chorus]
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
Don’t be cruel to a heart that’s true
[Refrain]
I don’t want no other love
Baby, it’s just you I’m thinkin’ of
Meet Me In Montauk 