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.
Pretty Little Devil
Eddie Cochran Lyrics
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And I would do just about anything that you wanted me to
I never dreamed I'd meet a girl that's half as sweet
As you turned out to be, now you're getting a hold on me
Oh-oh-oh, I never knew such a pretty little devil as you
And I would do just about anything that you wanted me to
I'll have to play it cool 'cause you're nobody's fool
And hope that I'm just smart enough to win your heart
And I would do just about anything that you wanted me to
Oh-oh-oh, I never knew such a pretty little devil as you
And I would do just about anything that you wanted me to
Some say you're fast and wild
But with me you're sweet and mild
But I will not complain if you promise to stay the same
Oh-oh-oh, I never knew such a pretty little devil as you
And I would do just about anything that you wanted me to
The lyrics of "Pretty Little Devil" by Eddie Cochran and Bob Denton depict a fascination and infatuation with a particular woman, referred to as a "pretty little devil." The singer expresses disbelief that he has encountered someone as captivating as her and professes his willingness to do anything she desires. He acknowledges the sweetness and charms she possesses, which have ensnared him. Despite being conscious of her allure and intelligence, the singer hopes to play it cool and win her heart. The lyrics also touch upon the perception that others may have of her as fast and wild, but with the singer, she is depicted as sweet and mild. The song concludes with the singer expressing his willingness to comply with her desires and emphasizing his captivation by her.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of infatuation and desire for a captivating woman who possesses both charm and allure. The singer is enamored by her and is willing to do anything to win over her heart, while also acknowledging the perceptions others may have about her.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh-oh-oh, I never knew such a pretty little devil as you
Oh-oh-oh, I never realized I would meet someone so enchanting and mischievous like you
And I would do just about anything that you wanted me to
I am willing to go to great lengths to fulfill your desires and wishes
I never dreamed I'd meet a girl that's half as sweet
I never expected to encounter someone who possesses only a fraction of the kindness and sweetness you possess
As you turned out to be, now you're getting a hold on me
It surprises me how affectionate you've become, and now you have a strong emotional influence over me
I'll have to play it cool 'cause you're nobody's fool
I must maintain a composed and collected demeanor because you are incredibly astute and not easily fooled
And hope that I'm just smart enough to win your heart
I yearn for the hope that my intelligence and cunning will be enough to capture your affection
Some say you're fast and wild
There are those who describe you as impulsive and untamed
But with me you're sweet and mild
However, when you are with me, you demonstrate gentleness and pleasantness
But I will not complain if you promise to stay the same
I will not voice any grievances if you assure me that you will remain unchanged in your nature
Oh-oh-oh, I never knew such a pretty little devil as you
Oh-oh-oh, I never anticipated coming across someone as attractive and mischievous as yourself
And I would do just about anything that you wanted me to
And I am willing to undertake almost any task or desire that you ask of me
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
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