Introduction:
In 1957, a young Elvis Presley released a ballad that would become one of his signature songs and a cornerstone of rock and roll history, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”. While Presley would become synonymous with energetic rock and roll, this song showcased his versatility and his ability to deliver a powerful and emotional ballad.
Though often associated with Presley, the song was originally written by Hank Williams, a country music legend, in 1949. There is some debate about the exact inspiration for the song, with some sources suggesting it came from the title of another song Williams saw on a list. Regardless, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of loneliness and despair, emotions Presley would effectively channel in his performance.
Presley recorded the song at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee on January 10, 1957, with producer Sam Phillips. Phillips, who had already recognized Presley’s talent and potential, played a key role in shaping the sound of early Presley recordings. For “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” Phillips assembled a band that included Presley on vocals and rhythm guitar, Scotty Moore on lead guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums. This lineup would become known as Presley’s core band for his early Sun recordings.
The recording session for “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” was reportedly energetic and spontaneous. Presley delivered a powerful vocal performance, imbuing the song with a raw emotion that resonated with listeners. The song’s instrumentation was simple yet effective, featuring Presley’s distinctive rhythm guitar playing alongside Moore’s mournful lead lines.
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” was released as a single in January 1957, backed with “Milkcow Blues Boogie.” The song became a breakout hit, reaching No. 21 on the Billboard Top 100 chart and achieving No. 1 on the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart. This dual-chart success helped solidify Presley’s appeal across genres and audiences.
The song’s impact went beyond the charts. “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” is considered a landmark recording in the development of rock and roll. It showcased Presley’s unique blend of country music influences and rock and roll energy, a sound that would lay the foundation for the genre’s explosion in the late 1950s. The song’s influence can be heard in the work of countless rock and roll artists who followed Presley.
“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” remains a beloved classic. It has been covered by numerous artists throughout the years, a testament to the song’s enduring popularity and Presley’s lasting influence. The song continues to be recognized as a vital part of rock and roll history, and a powerful illustration of Presley’s unmatched talent.
Video:
Lyrics:
I’d like to sing a song, that’s probably the saddest song I’ve ever heard, well, I guessHear that lonesome winter birdHe sounds too blue to flyThe midnight train is whining lowI’m so lonesome, I could cryDid you ever see a robin weepWhen leaves began to die? (Oh, oh, oh)That means he’s lost the will to liveI’m so lonesome, I could cryThe silence of a falling starLights up a purple sky (oh, oh, oh)And as I wonder where you areI’m so lonesome, I could cryI’m so lonesome, I could cryOkay, well, fantastic then, thank you