Won't you wear my ring around your neck
To tell the world I'm yours, by heck
Let them see your love for me
And let them see by the ring around your neck

Won't you wear my ring around your neck
To tell the world I'm yours, by heck
Let them know I love you so
And let them no by the ring around your neck

They say that goin' steady is not the proper thing
They say that we're too young to know the meaning of a ring
I only know that I love you and that you love me too
So, darling, please do what I ask of you

Won't you wear my ring around your neck
To tell the world I'm yours, by heck
Let them see your love for me
And let them see by the ring around your neck

Well they say that goin' steady is not the proper thing
They say that we're too young to know the meaning of a ring
I only know that I love you and that you love me too
So, darling, please do what I ask of you

Won't you wear my ring around your neck
To tell the world I'm yours, by heck
Let them know I love you so
And let them no by the ring around your neck

And let them know by the ring around your neck
And let them know by the ring around your neck

Overall Meaning

In Elvis Presley's song "Wear my ring around your neck", the singer is asking his partner to wear his ring around her neck to show the world that she belongs to him. The lyrics reflect the young, innocent love between the two, as they are being told that "going steady" is not the proper thing at their age. However, the singer feels confident in their feelings for each other and wants to make their commitment clear to others.

The chorus repeats twice, emphasizing the importance of wearing the ring around the neck as a symbol of love and commitment. The verses highlight the societal pressure and disapproval of their relationship, but the singer's love for his partner is unwavering.

Overall, the song is a sweet and simple expression of young love and the desire for public acknowledgement of that love. The lyrics are straightforward and easily relatable.

Line by Line Meaning

Won't you wear my ring around your neck
Please wear my ring around your neck

To tell the world I'm yours, by heck
So that everyone knows you belong to me

Let them see your love for me
Let people see how much you love me

And let them see by the ring around your neck
And they will know by the ring around your neck

They say that goin' steady is not the proper thing
People say that dating exclusively is not the right thing

They say that we're too young to know the meaning of a ring
They say we're too young to understand the significance of a ring

I only know that I love you and that you love me too
But I know that we love each other

So, darling, please do what I ask of you
So please do what I'm asking you to do

Let them know I love you so
Let people know how much I love you

And let them no by the ring around your neck
And they will know by the ring around your neck

And let them know by the ring around your neck
And they will know by the ring around your neck

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, LOLLIPOP MUSIC CORP.
Written by: Bert Carroll, Russell Moody, Marilyn Schack

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@sauquoit13456

'They say that goin' steady is not the proper thing'...
On this day in 1958 {April 13th} "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck"* by Elvis peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Best-Selling Pop Singles in Stores chart, the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "Witch Doctor" by David Seville...
"Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" reached #1 {for three non-consecutive weeks} on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart...
The King had five other records peak at #2; "Love Me", "Return To Sender", "A Fool Such As I", "Can't Help Falling In Love", and "Burning Love"...
And let us not forget, he had eighteen records that made it to #1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart...
May the King R.I.P. {1935 - 1977}...
* And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the Best Selling Pop Singles' Top 10 on April 13th, 1958:
At #3. "Twilight Time" by The Platters
#4. "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" by Laurie London
#5. "Tequila" by The Champs
#6. "Book of Love" by The Monotones
#7. "Believe What You Say" by Ricky Nelson
#8. "A Wonderful Time Up There" by Pat Boone
#9. "All I Have To Do Is Dream" by The Everly Brothers
#10. "Lollipop" by The Chordettes

All comments from YouTube:

@michellerosoff9089

2y↑17

I love this song!! It is so under rated. Thank you Elvis!

@bradhuskers

2y↑21

Elvis's voice is unmatched in music.

@walliegirl2

29w↑1

I prefer Marty Robbins' music more. Also, Marty was a great songwriter of over 200 amazing songs. Marty was so much more than just El Paso.

@doowoppyify

20w

@@walliegirl2 Never heard about that Marty Robbins'

2 More Replies...

@dianealhasan3431

4y↑51

Every song Elvis sang is beautiful! Long live the king! 😍😘

@paulcerminara3107

He is alive...
Bob Joyce

@Timotheos-td7mq

31w↑1

He's dead just bones in a hole

@robertmackenzie3722

6y↑23

I grew up with Elvis music! This is one of the first songs I learned to play on the drums!

@marialiglesias1699

27w↑4

2023.. and this song just got into my head. Remembered it came out when I was in grade school but got to use "a ring around my neck" in high school. My first love gave his ring to me but it was big for my finger. He hung it on a chain and placed it around my neck saying "now you are my girl". Hmm good memory of younger days. One of Elvis great songs.

@jeanielowe3246

2y↑7

Definitely one of my favorite songs by Elvis Presley ❤️

@icanfartloud

5y↑99

Lead singer of Deep Purple Ian Gillan said, "You know why Elvis will always be the king of rock and roll because he is the greatest singer that has ever lived"

@majorphoto

4y↑1

meh

@sophiehalikiopoulos9964

4y↑8

@@majorphoto Meh? what do you mean "meh"? You should do more research before you dis the king by saying "meh"!!!!!!

@scottbailey1560

3y↑4

If Ian Gillian said that, it was true. Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple grew up to Elvis. Elvis was responsible for all the Hard Rock Bands of the late 60s and early 70s. Elvis set the trend. Elvis met the guys of Led Zeppelin and Elvis covered Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven". It's here on YouTube. Listen, you'll like it!

@Ozzmosisf35

3y↑2

@@majorphoto I think what my dude means is he has a great voice, but not the best. So many different voices out there that claiming one of all is the best is a matter of opinion.

@mommasboy34

3y↑5

He is by far the most diverse and versatile singer in recorded history. From '53-'77

6 More Replies...

@fatimalopes7191

3y↑9

I love Elvis Presley, love now and Forever ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

@shirleyaloysius4829

22w

Elvis can turn a telephone book into a song 🎵 The Greatest Singer in the Music History. R I P Elvis

@rickmays797

4y↑7

Great song!!!!!! Love it!!!!!!!

@oscarbaron3863

10y↑35

a country rock hit. I love this song. In ELVIS we Trust.

@jamesdean9183

Country my ass😂
Has more black influence than country.

@terrymckown2441

10y↑53

Born in 57, my mom had this on a 45rpm and as a young child I wore this record out. I was still in elementary school the last time I heard it until about a year ago. I was surprised that I still remembered the loud drum fill in the last chorus right before I heard it again along with the guitar lick at the end. This is one of the many reasons I love You Tube, so many songs I thought I'd never hear again. :)

@ardardsable

8y↑3

+Terry McKown Good comment.

1 More Replies...

@TheRetroDude1

14y↑15

totally awesome song, long live the king

@caltech96

9y↑53

I remember those days when this song was released and many "old" people didn't know what it meant to wear a ring around your neck. They wondered how it would ever fit! In those times when a girl was going steady with a boy she would take his ring and put it on a chain which she wore around her neck. That meant he had laid claim to her and that she was off limits to all other guys who might be interested.

@ardardsable

8y↑4

+Luigi Vampa You got it right. This was the goal if there was a girl you really cared for. I know I had one.

@patdean9722

8y↑4

I remember those times

@peterkim7707

7y↑7

Luigi Vampa Wow,I didn't know that. Born in the 70s in Korea, I love Elvis. It's,actually, a music my father's, but I'm 'stuck on
his songs' .

@chiefhalftown

6y↑2

Same here. As a young 10 year old kid, I couldn't understand how the girl could wear a "ring around her neck." A ring is much too small right? The neck is much too big right? I don't think wearing a ring on a chain or string was a custom yet in my 6th grade and I just didn't get it until much later. Great song though!

@davidpar2

6y↑2

When I was little and first heard this song, I wondered the same thing

@robarnum7180

5y↑14

An Elvis classic, and a SERIOUS hot bass part too! A perfect combination! Bill Black REALLY cuts loose on bass on this!

@adrinathegreat3095

5y↑1

I thought Elvis played Electric bass on this recording

@David-no5ky

Graham James Elvis himself overdubbed the piano and guitar back beat - the undubbed master has been used officially, sometimes accidentally, many times. The whole session was beset with issues as the last in a studio - he did subsequently record 'Danny' and 'Steadfast Loyal and True' on a soundstage - prior to Elvis going the army and none of the songs recorded: this, 'Doncha Think It's Time', 'My Wish Came True' (the fourth session Elvis recorded this but no new master assigned); 'Your Cheating Heart' (no master originally assigned, and unreleased until 1965) shows Elvis at his best. To think just two weeks before, he recorded 'Hard Headed Woman', 'King Creole' (especially the fabulous original slower arrangement), 'Crawfish', Trouble' and 'New Orleans'.

1 More Replies...

@johnxlennonsxlegend

13y↑16

This is where an artist sings his heart out..........

@StevieRevbo

on take 42

1 More Replies...

@lulemelgarejo3280

I received this 45, my first Elvis record, and a little red record player when I was 5 or 6 years old. I was hooked from then. I still have the record, all worn from the playing and playing. I will always love his soothing, comforting voice. 🌿🌹🌿

@debbiecloer

34w↑2

Love this song

@mkl62

10y↑2

A #2 hit for Elvis Presley. It also hit #1 on the Rhythm & Blues charts and #3 on the Country & Western charts. It would finish at #22 for the year, 1958. As we get closer to the top, you have to ask, will Elvis make it three in a row for the #1 song of the year? Or will someone else take the torch? As Casey Kasem always said, "Stay tuned."

@enirlazaro8118

6y↑1

descobri que essa musica Elvis cantou em maio de 1958. o ano em que nasci. foi maravilhoso. ganhei uma canção. Linda por sinal. bj ao King .

@williamruha6702

6y↑22

So supple, so full of authority, rebellion, pathos, passion, defiance; note and pitch perfect; Elvis Presley's voice was the spokesman for OUR generation - the post-War coming-of-age, Rebel-Without-A-Cause searchers of meaning, longing for love and hope in a new nuclear age where one misstep could spell extinction. Presley was our voice, our soul, our mentor, or musical Moses, delivering us to a new Promised Land "where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved."

@manwithnoname2827

5y↑2

Not just you, this was my childhood's music, and the first star I idolized, even though I was born around a decade later that Elvis died. You can thank my parents for it by playing it around the clock when I was a still a (small) child because they were of the Elvis generation (actually, they were more of the Beatles generation but we lived in the outskirts of Europe [to the west of the Iron Curtain - but still]).

@StevieRevbo

2y↑1

he never even wrote a single song, nor played any instruments after The Sun
when the Army and other huge US Corporations got their claws in him.
just a singer of other peoples' songs

@junehurst1829

What a wonderful comment !That says it All !
Resting in peace !

@shirleydabrowski6955

4y↑2

Great Music 🎵♥️⭐️♥️🎵

@SuspiciousHunter

13y↑5

!!! ELVIS PRESLEY FOREVER !!!

@robertruiz7109

4y↑3

Damn!!! I would have loved the making of this recorded session on film. Rock and Roll in the making here.

@Ms.Elvis.

11y↑31

We did wear the ring around our neck. I wore my boyfriends ring around my neck . We all loved this song. I still do I am 69.

@alanwiemers9864

3y↑1

That’s awesome I was born in the wrong time

@Taylor_5724

2y↑2

Nice

@jamesdean9183

Nice

@BrendaBooher-hw4mf

30w

Once Elvis sang a song, he owned it !

@qamarabdullah9816

46w

Amazing still enjoying this song, Elvis

@wmfife1

32w

My first Elvis record. Heard it on Bandstand and had to have it. I was nine.
Scotty's power-guitar licks made it.

@donlarsen1956

12y↑7

Classic Elvis, in his cool days, before the Army got to him. God bless the original KIng!!!

@kevinfan726

my earliest memories include listening to Elvis singing this on his album where he wears the gold suit.

@michaelmakemson4390

4y↑1

A god gifted voice

@davidbrown386

2y↑1

Along with My Way This might very well be my favorite Elvis song

@aurora-rosemolnar2017

10y↑4

I have this on my elvis record awesome song

@GeorgeVreelandHill

2y↑3

Elvis - The King of Music, and not just Rock and Roll.

@Angelseaten

11y↑32

I was only 10 when this came out. I had it on a 45 rpm record and knew the words by heart, but the concept of a "ring around your neck" always bothered me. How does one get it over your head? :=\ It took some years to realize it meant on a chain!

@PJBearstein

4y↑3

It was at the time records were on 78 and 45 in 1958.

@aldiakaroofus

3y↑1

SAME!!!

@arifhikmetsokmener678

Kralı pikapta defalarca dinler ama doyamazdık nurlar içinde yatsın

@MXB2001

I heard this today on a cassette tape from 1991 made by my parents off the radio. The DJ actually said wear the ring around your neck without the chain! I guess his joke was inspired by the misunderstandings referred to by the comments here. Very interesting. Really zesty Elvis tune, was amazed to read it broke his string of #1's by hitting #2 (probably bad luck, ought to look up what was #1 then). I may have been born in the 60's but I agree Elvis will always be the King.

@lintym

2y↑1

I was a school girl, Elvis was my pash, I haven't changed 😂😂

@delorespetree3243

3y↑1

catchy tune

@karolinakubassaba2150

4y↑2

I love Elvis

@autumngarcia3280

3y↑1

I would've loved to live or grownup in the 1950s. I wish I did, I always fantasize about how it would be like to dace, speak , hear music, and fall in love in that time. Y'alls point in time seemed so great. I'm fifteen years old and I would love to know more about this time in everyone's point in view.

@stevee3620

Thank you Bert Carroll & Russell Moody for such a great tune. I am very grateful to have known Bert Carroll, such a humble human being full of character. Forever gems and thank you for yours and Marty's songs I recorded for you Bert "L" Letesha Campbell.

@ellagandolfi7844

9y↑9

very nice !

@MarkMcDougall

12y↑6

I've murdered this song many a time on the karaoke, great tune!

@CarlosLima-oe7wn

40w

Que categoria !

@sauquoit13456

@bryanharrison7847

3y↑1

Best singers in that era were elvis, Jackie Wilson and Sam Cook. Also the righteous brothers. Imo.

@billarnold5360

6y↑1

1958 - Got to No.3 in the Charts.

@robertmoles9742

Love Alice and always music

@josephruiz4011

6y↑1

Man..how i would have loved to ses Elvis.on tape performing this bad ass song....so raw i cant expanie....

@dangilreath2534

I was staff advisor to the student activities concert committee at Salem State College (now University) in Mass. In November 1974, we booked the little known performer Bruce Springsteen. I walked over to the small auditorium to check on the set-up and his crew were blasting this song as part of their concert prep.

@josephfardella746

2y↑1

Classic Rock N Roll.........

@nancygreen8186

20w

First heard this song on a jukebox player in a small little mom and pop store when I was a kid.

@TezzaCrow

32w

Elvis absolutely HATED being called The King.

@karritolvanen741

8y↑14

1 of the songs i like most.... sounds like ´56 rockabilly ;)

@icanfartloud

5y↑1

Sounds more like doo wop rock on the chorus to me, btw...

@robinchesterfield42

5y↑1

1958 and you're both kinda right, music-style wise. :)

1 More Replies...

@blackrosepr61

9y↑1

...

Hes so baby faced! It looks so squishy >w<

@geckosgaeilge1503

5y↑1

Cricket are you actually going to do an uwu on an Elvis song

@lucrio4088

5y↑2

Awesome Dogs I was thinking the same thing. Also nice to see a recent comment instead of them all being from 4 years ago. Glad people are still listening to quality music.

@warriorgoddess1611

21w

I wonder if Elvis meant like a chain with a ring on it around the neck. Listening to it it doesn’t sound provocative and suggestive in my opinion. Couples do wear certain rings on chains that are a memento from their partners. That’s what I think. People should know you can’t wear a ring around your neck unless it’s on a chain 🙄🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

@guyduke12

14y↑4

This is a good song

@motomichiokura1922

11y↑3

Yeah! One of my 429 favorites. I didn't particularly like this when I was 18 in 1963.... I used to sing it though.

@johnberger4687

6y↑1

"Well they say that going steady is not the proper thing/They say that we're too young to know the meaning of a ring..."

@kathyaustin8609

2y↑1

I wore a ring around my neck, too!!🎶🎶🎶 actually two different ones😂

@raymondhavatone1205

🖤🖤🖤🖤

@lalenglianachhakchhuak5404

1y↑1

Great great great...

@davidpar2

14y↑6

i think this is the first elvis song i ever heard

@josephkane2148

7y↑7

Just one of his singles from 1958 as it did the R&B singles chart for 3 weeks sold more than 2.5 Million copies in The US singles chart for him

@reneevictor3835

Only Elvis they don't make them like this anymore

@lisac5787

My mum past on the 4th Jan she loved elvis I'm gona miss her forever but elvis always made her smile love you mum xxx💔

@Ms.Elvis.

11y↑10

I wore the ring on a chain.it was the greatest. I married someone else. But I had a crush on that boy. Back then I was hot stuff because of that ring. I loved to show it to the other girls.

@mitchgawlik1175

7y↑1

C'mon Maggie Mae, I bet you're still hot stuff. Keep rockin'.

1 More Replies...

@izzigogo

2y↑1

I lived during the time this song was BIG.... and all of us girls would wear out guy's ring on our necklace. A man's ring is too big to be worn by a girl, so we would wear it in our necklace... Around our NECK!!!! Get it!!

@joycearnette2753

10y↑4

One good looking guy , we all miss you Elvis- DJ Jammin' Joyce - Warsaw , N.C.

@joycearnette2753

10y↑1

R.I.P. ELVIS, U R MISSED !

@oozingsauce2918

5y↑1

elvis forever 😁

@droptheneedle99

11y↑6

Cool guitar intro man.

@jeffreymliss

5y↑1

The King Sings about a Ring.

@markjones8775

6y↑2

Really didn't sound like Elvis till 0:46 then there was no mistake!

@airwolf5826

Nobody questions the King.

@danadomaneantu8497

A cîntat foarte frumos

@parkdeuksoo4483

2y↑1

HAPPY NEW YEAR(2022) EVERYONE from YOUTUBE-pancalas in South Korea(Korean Wave)! Real our true KING ELVIS PRESLEY's tear followers like this swaying swinging genuine ROCK AND ROLL SONG in 1958 when Elvis was 23 years old. Let's have a joyful break to this song everybody. Are you ready? HERE WE GO!

@liselehouillier2139

10y↑2

BELEIVE ME HE LIVE AND WILL ALWAYS LIVE ...........FOR EVER ............

@margaret-dianedube6939

29w

takes me back to high school, Harry E. Guppy High School of Commerce, Windsor, Ontario first year of operation 1959 and I was there!

@ritadima1862

Bellissimo grazieeeeeeeeee un girasole

@rustydog1236

29w

Some said it was obscene and some radio stations banned the song. Think about it.

@Kianmur

My karaoke song- I give it gusto!!

@bellgardens53

14y↑4

Like when the speed is increasing in this oh so cool rocker by El. ;O)

@josecaetano9138

Adoro esta musica, me lembra quando morei numa cidade chamada Coronel Fabriciano e tinha 13 anos.

@writerspen010

5y↑1

This is a nice song, but I'm genuinely confused. Was a thing people did: wearing rings on a necklace chain? I've heard of wearing a boyfriend's fraternity pin or class ring, but I've never heard of wearing a boyfriend's or fiance's ring around your neck outside of Sex and the City (it was "closer to [her] heart this way"), and look how that turned out.

@elvisfan1958

11y↑1

I'm sure it hasnt been done in decades .... but in the 50's and 60's, guys would give their girls their senior high school rings, to show that they were going steady, and the girl would wear it on a chain, around their necks .... I dont know what the kids of today do ... lol...

@mankeez5892

elvisfan1958 Instagram

@pierresimard5988

Frank alamo

@pierresimard5988

Sing c,est la vie

1 More Replies...

@beckygrayson5077

20w

A girl use to wear a boys class ring on a chain- that’s what he was referring to - there’s nothing wrong with that

@bryanharrison7847

3y↑1

Won't you wear your thighs around my neck !

@antonioplatania8336

7y↑1

un grande cosa dire.....

@yowzephyr

12y

Oh. So she really is wearing his ring. A ring that he has worn on his finger. Not a ring that he got for her. This is not a custom that I'm familiar with.

@christinebmorel5853

6y↑2

TCB 😍😍😍😇👍❤❤❤

@uuglyddoll8333

💃

@ideagirlconsulting

14y↑2

cool

@Joe-pm6zg

8y↑2

0.45 Best bit.

@markjones8775

6y↑1

agreed.totally defines Elvis from all the others.no-one can ever replicate that edge when impersonating him.many have tried,but instantly you know that's not the real deal.peace to all.

@tempusfugit553

27w

It was banned by some radio stations because some churches said it was to provocative

@emileeheslep588

11y↑4

Your comment made my day.

@yowzephyr

12y↑1

Since when are rings worn around the neck?

@geckosgaeilge1503

5y↑1

yowzephyr in the 50s and 60s you would put it on a chain and wear it on your neck

@lukebyarlay3286

Elvis Presley is favorite Luke

@elvisfan1958

12y↑1

haha ... it was worn on a chain, around the girls neck .... most guys rings are too big for the girls to wear them on their fingers ....

@NYChica23

12y↑1

@joewong73 Agreed ♥♥

@liquiddinamyte

Really loving Elvis and this song.. But the only people who used to wear aring around there neck?... Weren't so happy about that..?

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