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.
Teresa
Eddie Cochran Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is what I got to say
Mmm, you're a honey, worth more to me than money
Cuter to me than a rose-bud
I'll love you forever, if you'll be my girl
Oh, I'm gonna ask you out
That's what I'm talkin' about
I wanna make a date, mmm, I'd better not wait
You've got eyes that sparkle
Hair that's soft like an angel
I love you Teresa, Teresa, hope you'll be my girl
The lyrics to Eddie Cochran's song Teresa are a sweet and innocent declaration of love. He sings about seeing Teresa in school and how she caught his eye. He describes her as being more valuable to him than money and more beautiful than a rose-bud. Cochran goes on to express his desire to take her out on a date and his hope that she will agree to be his girlfriend. His love for her is pure and simple, and he makes it clear that he wants her in his life forever.
The song is a classic example of teenage love and the innocent excitement that comes with it. Cochran uses simple language to convey his feelings, and the melody is catchy and easy to sing along to. The song captures the essence of young love, with its mix of nervousness and excitement, and its focus on the person who has captured your heart.
Overall, Teresa is a charming and upbeat love song that captures the spirit of youth and the excitement of falling in love for the first time.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Teresa, I saw you in school today
Salutation directed towards Teresa, acknowledging seeing her in school today.
This is what I got to say
Introduction of Eddie Cochran's opinion on Teresa.
Mmm, you're a honey, worth more to me than money
Teresa is considered by Eddie Cochran to be as valuable as money.
Cuter to me than a rose-bud
Eddie Cochran finds Teresa more attractive than a rose-bud.
I'll love you forever, if you'll be my girl
Eddie Cochran expresses his love for Teresa and urges her to be his girlfriend.
Oh, I'm gonna ask you out
Eddie Cochran intends to request for a date with Teresa.
That's what I'm talkin' about
Eddie Cochran confirms his intention of asking Teresa out on a date.
I wanna make a date, mmm, I'd better not wait
Eddie Cochran expresses an urgent need of initiating a date with Teresa without delay.
Hey Teresa, right away
Eddie Cochran urges Teresa to respond affirmatively and promptly to his request for a date.
You've got eyes that sparkle
Eddie Cochran admires the twinkle in Teresa's eyes.
Hair that's soft like an angel
Eddie Cochran appreciates the softness of Teresa's hair and likens it to an angel's hair.
I love you Teresa, Teresa, hope you'll be my girl
Eddie Cochran reiterates his love for Teresa and expresses hope that she becomes his girlfriend.
Contributed by Juliana M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stevesizemore6274
This pretty song shows Eddie's versatility. Eddie deserved to be better known. Glad Eddie's songs are getting more attention from You Tube.
@TheDutch1949
brilliant song eddie cochran king of rock and roll thanks for posting it
@cynthiaturner8419
RIP Eddie Cochran another great artist gone to soon what a blow 😢
@L0ngLiveRnR
Im just addicted to Eddie's music, even If im only 20 this year I can't live without these lovely lyrics and sounds!
@old65rocker
@L0ngLiveRnR Im 65 still listening to all this great music by Eddie, and all the other great Rockers. I feel privileged to have lived through the 50s 60s etc enjoying different types of music over the last 55 years. Nothing compares to the 50s. While there are young people like your goodself listening to Eddie his name will go forward to following generations as one of the true pioneers of Rock and Roll.
@teresahernandez5442
Muchas gracias por esa gran canción me llamo Teresa me fascinó Bendiciones desde México 12 SEP 2020 en medio de la nueva normalidad cuidemonos
@gerardvanleeuwen9456
What a great one here, allways in love with this tune, well done Eddie !!
@carlthew1308
GREAT SONG
@teresalungstrum5702
I was named by my father after this song.
@raphaeldutoit8349
C'était le meilleur des rockers meilleur musicien guitariste hors norme