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.
I.O.U.
Eddie Cochran Lyrics
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Well I took 'em last night when the lights were low
I wanna give 'em back so here I go, I-I owe you
I've savin' my lovin' for somebody like you
Enough of this turtle-dovin',I'll tell you what I'm gonna do
I owe you a million squeezes, I owe you a million sighs
Won't you say yes then you'll be my own
Can't we make a deal for a lifetime long, I-I owe you
The lyrics of Eddie Cochran's song "I.O.U." express a sense of indebtedness and longing in a romantic relationship. The singer begins by declaring, "I owe you a million kisses, I owe you a million hugs." These lines suggest that the singer has experienced a deep connection with their partner, enjoying intimate moments when the lights were low. However, the use of the phrase "I owe you" implies that these affections were taken or received rather than reciprocated.
In the following lines, the singer explains their desire to return this affection: "I wanna give 'em back so here I go, I-I owe you." This indicates a willingness to make amends and express their love to their partner. The singer then reveals that they have been saving their love for someone like their partner, indicating that there is a special significance to this relationship. They express a desire to move away from superficial affection, stating, "Enough of this turtle-dovin', I'll tell you what I'm gonna do." This suggests a yearning for a deeper, more meaningful connection.
Continuing with the expression of indebtedness, the lyrics state, "I owe you a million squeezes, I owe you a million sighs." The use of "million" emphasizes the magnitude of the affection the singer feels for their partner. They then ask for their partner's agreement, saying, "Won't you say yes then you'll be my own." This line reveals the singer's longing for commitment and a desire to make their partner an integral part of their life. Finally, they propose a deal for a lifetime of love, saying, "Can't we make a deal for a lifetime long, I-I owe you." This reflects a desire to establish a lasting and fulfilling relationship with their partner.
Overall, Eddie Cochran's "I.O.U." portrays a sense of indebtedness and a longing for deep connection within a romantic relationship. The lyrics convey a desire to return affection that has been received, along with a longing for a committed and meaningful partnership. The song's heartfelt expression of devotion and vulnerability resonates with listeners, capturing the complex emotions of love and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
I owe you a million kisses, I owe you a million hugs
I am indebted to you for countless moments of affection and intimacy
Well I took 'em last night when the lights were low
I fully indulged in those expressions of love when we had a private moment
I wanna give 'em back so here I go, I-I owe you
Now I desire to reciprocate and return the affection I received, fulfilling my obligation to you
I've savin' my lovin' for somebody like you
I have been reserving my love, waiting for someone who is deserving and compatible with me, like yourself
Enough of this turtle-dovin',I'll tell you what I'm gonna do
I am tired of being patient and taking things slowly; I am ready to reveal my true intentions and plans
I owe you a million squeezes, I owe you a million sighs
I am indebted to you for countless moments of tenderness and longing
Won't you say yes then you'll be my own
If you agree to be with me, you will become exclusively mine
Can't we make a deal for a lifetime long, I-I owe you
Let's negotiate and establish a commitment that will last a lifetime, fulfilling my obligation to you
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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