Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, made him enormously popular—and controversial.
In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He held few concerts however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate, just 42 years of age.
Presley is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. Commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.
Don't Forbid Me
Elvis Presley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Darling don't forbid me to hold you tight
Take me in your lovin' arms
'Cause it's cold and I can keep you warm
Don't forbid me to talk sweet nothings
Don't forbid me to talk sweet talk
Take me in your arms baby please
In the song "Don't Forbid Me," the singer is expressing his desire to hold and kiss his lover, regardless of any objections from others. He pleads with his lover to not prevent him from holding her tightly, kissing her lips, and talking sweetly to her. He argues that it's cold outside, and he can keep her warm, and that her lips might freeze without his warmth. The singer also notes that there's a strong Westwind and a big, blue moon above, suggesting that the atmosphere is perfect for a night of passion.
The lyrics are very straightforward, expressing the singer's desire to be physically intimate with his lover. However, the song can also be interpreted as a commentary on society and the expectations placed on romantic relationships. The singer is pushing back against any constraints or limitations placed on his love, arguing that he should be free to express his emotions and desires as he pleases.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't-a forbid me to hold you tight
My love, please don't prevent me from holding you tightly and feeling your warmth.
Darling, Don't Forbid Me to hold you tight
Sweetheart, I beg of you, don't stop me from embracing you closely and showing my affection.
Let-a me hold you in my lovin' arms
Allow me to hold you in my arms that are filled with love and care.
'Cause it's cold and I can keep you warm
It's chilly outside, let me comfort you and keep you warm with my warmth.
Don't a forbid me to kiss your lips
Please don't refuse me the chance to kiss your lovely lips.
Darling, Don't Forbid Me to kiss your lips
My love, don't stop me from expressing my affection and adoration for you by kissing you.
Let-a me kiss you please baby, please
Allow me to kiss you, baby, it would give me pleasure and make you feel loved.
'Cause it's cold and your lips might freeze.
It's nippy out here, let me warm your precious lips, lest they freeze.
There's a strong Westwind a-blowing
The wind is blowing quite strong from the West.
and there's a big, blue moon above
The beautiful and glowing, blue moon is up above in the sky.
And, pretty baby, I'll be knowing
My beautiful darling, I know.
you need some heartwarming love
I can sense that you are in great need of some passionate, heartwarming love and affection.
So don't-a forbid me to talk sweet talk
Please don't forbid me from talking sweet things to you.
Darling, Don't Forbid Me to talk sweet talk
My dear, please allow me to speak endearing and loving words to you.
Let-a me fill your little heart with fire
Permit me to ignite the flames of love in your heart and make it glow with warmth and passion.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVID A. WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Smith
Man I love that version.
Young dreams
What a sweet lovely voice! Never heard this song, tanks so for sharing!
Marcia Brasileiro
Young dreams
wickedfireflyRose
Beautiful, I need more. This get me now, really! Best in the world! Very voloptuous, Tennessee boy. Sorry to miss him!
Smith & Wesson
we will never forget you angel , we are still there !
My My
Great version!!
an Y
Haha only could say that he had he too much junk around his house, to think had he recorded it, wouid have been a sure fir hit.
His vocals are just velvety smooth here His speaking voice is just so endearing with his slight lisp, cute little nervous stutter, and his thick younger accent, his charisma is just so palpable.
This whole session was just fantastic from start to finish, all that talent in one room at the right time.
All before huge fame ate him up and spat him out, very sad.
Can we turn back time please?
elvis Presley
Hot Damn I think if I had done this it would have out Sold Too Much better yet the FLIP side would have would have been a 2 sided Smash
wickedfireflyRose
Never, would never forbid u... it's all I want.
Is that a little girl's voice I hear in background???
Sweet.
Sing me back home my lovely man