Introduction:
In 1956, a young Elvis Presley was already shaking up the music scene with his electrifying blend of rock and roll, R&B, and country. He had a string of hit singles under his belt and was captivating audiences with his undeniable charisma and energetic performances. It was during this meteoric rise that Presley entered the recording studio and laid down a track that would become one of his most recognizable songs, “Too Much”.
“Too Much” is a prime example of the early rockabilly sound that propelled Presley to superstardom. Rockabilly, a genre with roots in rock and roll and country music, is characterized by its driving beat, prominent use of the electric guitar, and often suggestive lyrics. “Too Much” perfectly captures this energy, featuring a fast tempo, a twangy guitar riff, and Presley’s signature soulful vocals.
The song wasn’t written by Presley himself, but by songwriting duo Bernard Weinman and Lee Rosenberg. They weren’t strangers to the young singer, having penned another of his hits, “Love Me Tender,” which would be released the following year. “Too Much” was actually first recorded in 1955 by an artist named Bernard Hardison, but it wasn’t until Presley’s high-octane version hit the airwaves that the song truly found its audience.
While there is no official credit for the record’s producer, it is believed to have been overseen by RCA Studio staff producer Steve Sholes. Sholes played a significant role in Presley’s early career, working on many of his Sun Studio recordings in Memphis.
“Too Much” was a massive success for Presley. The single rocketed to number one on both the Billboard and Cashbox charts, solidifying his place as a top-selling artist. It even managed to reach number three on the R&B chart, showcasing its broad appeal. The song’s impact extended beyond the charts, becoming a staple of Presley’s live performances and further fueling his reputation as a captivating performer. His electrifying rendition of “Too Much” on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1957 is a prime example of how the song ignited audiences.
“Too Much” remains an important touchstone in Elvis Presley’s legacy. It’s a prime example of the infectious energy and musical innovation that made him a rock and roll pioneer. The song continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world and serves as a reminder of the undeniable impact Presley had on popular music.
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Lyrics:
Well, honey, I love you too muchI need your lovin’ too muchWant the thrill of your touchWell, gee, I can’t love you too muchYou do all the livin’ while I do all the givin’‘Cause I love you too much (too much)Well, you spend all my money, too muchI have to share you, honey, too muchWhen I want some lovin’, you’re goneDon’t you know you’re treatin’ your daddy wrong?Now you got me started, don’t you leave me broken-hearted‘Cause I love you too much (too much)I need your lovin’ all the timeNeed your huggin’, please be mineNeed you near me, stay real closePlease, please, hear me, you’re the mostNow you got me started, don’t you leave me broken-hearted‘Cause I love you too much (too much)Well, every time I kiss your sweet lipsI can feel my heart go a flip-flipI’m such a fool for your charmsTake me back, baby, in your armsLike to hear you sighin’, even though I know you’re lyin’‘Cause I love you too much (too much)I need your lovin’ all the timeI need your huggin’, please be mineNeed you near me, stay real closePlease, please, hear me, you’re the mostNow you’ve got me started, don’t you leave me broken-hearted‘Cause I love you too much