Introduction:
In 1958, a different side of Elvis Presley, the soon-to-be-crowned King of Rock and Roll, emerged with the release of the ballad I Beg Of You. This tender plea for a lover’s return showcased Presley’s remarkable vocal range and versatility, proving he wasn’t a one-trick pony. While rock and roll anthems fueled his meteoric rise, I Beg Of You displayed his talent for emotionally charged ballads that would become a staple of his career.
I Beg Of You wasn’t a product of Presley himself, but came from the pens of songwriters Rose Marie McCoy and Kelly Owens. It was released as the B-side to another Presley ballad, Don’t, but quickly captured the hearts of listeners. Produced by RCA Victor, the song became a hit, reaching number eight on the Billboard Top 100 chart in February of 1958. This success further solidified Presley’s place as a major force in the music industry, proving his appeal extended far beyond the energetic rock and roll sound that initially grabbed the nation’s attention.
I Beg Of You stands out from the rest of the songs on Presley’s debut album, Elvis Presley (1957), which is largely credited with launching the rock and roll revolution. The album featured high-octane tracks like Tutti Frutti and Heartbreak Hotel, showcasing Presley’s charisma and his undeniable influence on music and pop culture. I Beg Of You, nestled amongst these rockin’ numbers, offered a glimpse into Presley’s remarkable vocal abilities and his capacity to deliver a powerful performance across genres.
The impact of I Beg Of You wasn’t limited to the charts. It became a cornerstone of Presley’s live performances, allowing him to connect with audiences on a more intimate level. His heartfelt delivery of the song resonated with fans, establishing him not just as a rocker but a talented vocalist with a vast emotional range.
I Beg Of You remains a significant track in Presley’s extensive catalog. It serves as a testament to his versatility as a musician and continues to be a favorite among fans. The song’s enduring legacy proves that even the King of Rock and Roll could deliver a moving ballad that would stay relevant for decades.
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Lyrics:
I don’t want my heart to be broken‘Cause it’s the only one I’ve gotSo, darling, please, be carefulYou know I care a lotDarling, please, don’t break my heartI beg of youI don’t want no tears a-fallingYou know I hate to cryBut that’s what’s bound to happenIf you only say goodbyeDarling, please, don’t say goodbyeI beg of youHold my hand and promiseThat you’ll always love me trueMake me know you’ll love meThe same way I love you, little girlYou got me at your mercyNow that I’m in love with youSo, please, don’t take advantage‘Cause you know my love is trueDarling, please, please, love me tooI beg of youHold my hand and promiseThat you’ll always love me trueMake me know you’ll love meThe same way I love you, little girlYou got me at your mercyNow that I’m in love with youSo, please, don’t take advantage‘Cause you know my love is trueDarling, please, please, love me tooI beg of youDarling, please, please, love me tooI beg of youDarling, please, please, love me tooI beg of you