Today’s song of the day is “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley. One of many #1 hit songs recorded by the king of rock ‘n roll, this song has several interesting facts.
- “Love Me Tender” is also the name of the first movie starring Elvis. Although the film was originally called The Reno Brothers.
- The song debuted on the popular Ed Sullivan Show before the single was released—leading to massive pre-orders.
- The song debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts in 1956. It was the first time in Billboard’s history that a single debuted as high as #2.
- “Love Me Tender” rose to #1 on the Billboard charts, replacing another Elvis hit, “Hound Dog.” “Hound Dog” had sat atop the charts for eleven weeks before falling to the newer release. It was the first time in history that an artist was bumped from the top spot by himself.
- Originally released as a single, the song did not appear on an Elvis album for years.
- “Love Me Tender” was also recorded by other artists who found success with this hit ballad, including Richard Chamberlain, Henri Rene, Barry Manilow, Tony Bennett and Percy Sledge.
- Linda Rondstadt also recorded a popular rendition of “Love Me Tender.” The recording became even more popular when it was paired with the original Elvis recording, creating a duet.
Lyrics
Wasn’t it just yesterday
When you held me near
Whispering the sweetest words
That I longed to head
Love me tender,
Love me sweet,
Never let me go
You have made my life complete
And I love you so
Love me tender,
Love me true,
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darling I love you
And I always will
Love me tender
(Love me tender)
Love me long
Take me to your heart
For it’s there that I belong,
And we’ll never part
Love me tender,
Love me true
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darling I love you
And I always will
Love me tender,
Love me true
Tell me you are mine
I’ll be yours through all the years
Till the end of time
Love me tender,
Love me true
All my dreams fulfilled
For my darling I love you
(I love you)
And I always will
And I always will