Ray Edward Cochran was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota; however, as his parents were from Oklahoma, he considered himself an Oklahoman, and introduced himself as such in interviews. He took music lessons in school, but eventually quit the band to play drums. Rather than take piano lessons, Cochran began learning guitar, playing the country music he heard on the radio. As time went on, Cochran moved to Los Angeles, California in 1953. Together with Hank Cochran, Eddie formed The Cochran Brothers, though the two shared no relation.
Around the same time, Cochran worked as a session musician, but aspired to be a songwriter and artist in his own right, and recorded a demo with songwriting partner and future manager, Jerry Capeheart. Cochran's first notable foray into the public eye was as one of the many performing artists featured in the musical comedy film The Girl Can't Help It starring Jayne Mansfield, eventually resulting in a recording contract with Liberty. He would follow up on this appearance by appearing in several films of the same genre. He also performed as a support act for such stars as Gene Vincent and Little Richard, who were among Cochran's co-stars in the aforementioned film.
For his recordings, Cochran often used experimental techniques that would later become part and parcel for other recording artists, notably recording numerous overdubs in order to create the rich, distinctive guitar sound for "Summertime Blues" and "C'mon Everybody". "Twenty Flight Rock", the song Cochran performed in The Girl Can't Help It, was the very first song a young Paul McCartney played for John Lennon as his audition for Lennon's group, The Quarrymen, which would later metamorphose into The Beatles.
Cochran was killed in an automobile accident in Chippenham, Wiltshire, England during a tour of Britain with Gene Vincent. Vincent and Cochran's fiancee, who were both in the car, survived the crash. Scholars have noted that, somewhat eerily, Cochran's last single release in his lifetime was "Three Steps to Heaven", although the song's lyrical context has nothing to do with death. Cochran's death occurred little over a year after the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, to whom he paid tribute in his recording of the song "Three Stars", which remained unreleased until 1966.
A majority of Cochran's recorded legacy would be released posthumously; in his lifetime, only one album, Singin' to My Baby (1957), was ever released. Perhaps owing to the brevity of his career, Cochran never attained the same star status as other rockers of the era; however, his lyrical themes of teenage desires and rebellion, being somewhat more morose and raucous than his contemporaries, had a profound influence on many of the greatest artists of the '60s and '70s, such as The Beatles, The Who, and The Rolling Stones.
Cherished Memories
Eddie Cochran Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But here in my heart is a memory
Of the way we met, the way we kissed
The way we fell in love
Oh, the little secrets that we shared
When I was sad, the way you cared
To let me know you'd understand
Cherished memories
The things that a fella can't forget
Cherished memories
You're leaving but I love you yet
And now you say that we must part
And even though it breaks my heart
There's one thing you can't take from me
That's my cherished memory
Cherished memories
The things that a fella can't forget
Cherished memories
You're leaving but I love you yet
And now you say that we must part
And even though it breaks my heart
There's one thing you can't take from me
That's my cherished memory
Cherished memory
Cherished memory
The song "Cherished Memories" by Eddie Cochran is a poignant reflection on love and loss. The lyrics describe the singer's struggle to come to terms with the end of a relationship and to hold on to the memories of the love he once shared with his partner. The opening lines set the scene with a sense of melancholy as the singer acknowledges that his lover is leaving him behind. However, in spite of the pain of separation, he reassures himself that he will always treasure the memories of their shared experiences. The second verse further emphasizes the memories that the singer holds dear, including the little secrets they shared and the way his partner cared for him when he was down. Even though they are parting ways, the singer recognizes that the memories they created together are something he will always carry with him.
In the chorus, the song's titular phrase, "Cherished Memories," is repeated, underscoring the idea that even though the relationship is ending, the singer's memories of it will remain. The final verse reinforces this notion, with the singer acknowledging that his heart is broken but expressing gratitude for the one thing that is still his: the cherished memory of his love. Altogether, "Cherished Memories" is a bittersweet song that beautifully captures the pain of loss and the power of love to endure even after it has ended.
Line by Line Meaning
You're goin' away, away from me
You're leaving me and moving on.
But here in my heart is a memory
But I still cherish the memories of us in my heart.
Of the way we met, the way we kissed
I still remember how we first met and the sweetest kisses we shared.
The way we fell in love
I still remember how we fell in love with each other.
Oh, the little secrets that we shared
I still hold on to those secrets that we shared together.
When I was sad, the way you cared
I still remember how you cared for me and comforted me when I was sad.
To let me know you'd understand
You always made me feel understood and supported.
The way you'd hold my hand
I still remember how you held my hand and made me feel secure.
Cherished memories
These memories are so precious and special to me.
The things that a fella can't forget
These are the type of memories that a person can never forget.
You're leaving but I love you yet
Even though you're leaving me, I still love you so much.
And even though it breaks my heart
Although it hurts me deeply,
There's one thing you can't take from me
You may be leaving, but you can never take away my cherished memories.
Cherished memory
This memory is so important to me.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SHARON SHEELEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Stewart
I still listen to Eddie's music. I love his powerful voice.
Peggy Duncan
What a beautiful tribute to one of my faves! I was only 3 years old when he died but I grew up on his music because I loved oldies then and still do at age 55. It is very sad that he decided to take that car instead of the train and shame on the driver for not listening and slowing down when Eddie repeatedly asked him too.Poor sweet Sharon.I know how she loved him and at least they can be together again since I hear she passed away about 10 years ago now. RIP beautiful people. Your music lives
My car's on fire!
Eddie Cochran will live forever! ROCK AND ROLL!!!
Wes Smith
Eddie being my favorite "Rock & Roll Hero" of all-time,makes this documentary priceless for me. A sincere BIG THANK YOU!
wildbitchrocker
Eddie&Sharon together in spirit & the spirit of rock&roll will never die God bless.xx
Modguy61
Wonderful documentary about one of the pioneers of rock n roll! Thanks for posting :)
Dale Porter
Enjoyed the docu'.Eddie's one of my favorites also.Kinda' sad watching Sharon talk and seeing how much she loves Eddie and misses him.Recordings of the last tour are on the UK-released "Forever Rockin" album set and are a pure joy to listen to.
FlaminL
I don't see it mentioned here, and I don't know if it's common knowledge, but Sharon Sheeley passed away in 2002 - the year after this film was made. May both of them re-unite and rest in peace.
Eric Fahrner
Great documentary! Thanks so so much for sharing! Never saw a docu on Eddie before!
Mike Lewis
I used to pass the spot where he died on the way to work,great guitar player and great man gave up his life to protect his girlfriend.