Elvis Songs: Don't Be Cruel

Written by: Otis Blackwell

Recorded: July 2, 1956, RCA Studios, New York
Released master is take 28.

Single:w/ "Hound Dog", 47-6604, July 1956
Also re-released as Gold Standard Series, 447-0608, March 1959

RIAA Certified: 4X Multi-Platinum (as of 07/15/1999)

Highest U.S. Charts Positions:
#1 on Billboard's Top 100
#1 on Rhythm & Blues chart
#1 on Country Best-Seller chart
#1 on Country Juke Box chart

1st LP release: Elvis Golden Records - April 1958

"Don't Be Cruel" was a success on almost any level you care to measure it! Elvis' biggest mainstream pop hit of the 50s, topping all the charts, a truly catchy tune and also a song that he personally considered a favorite.

Stay tuned, I'll write some more soon. Meanwhile, dig the links and stuff!

"Don't Be Cruel" is a classic cut, but it is more dated than other performances. Maybe the "happy" inflection of Presley's voice has less appeal than his characteristic menacing form; and the song itself lacks grit. It remains, however, one of Presley's best recordings.

Robert Matthew-Walker, Elvis Presley - A Study In Music, 1979

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He gave it a bouncy arrangement which made for an infectious track that suggested rockabilly while remaining a pop recording.

Read more at the AllMusic entry for Don't Be Cruel

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Check out other Elvis fans' opinions on the Elvis News page for Don't Be Cruel

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Reviews and Ratings of Don't Be Cruel at Rate Your Music

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