Like Elvis Presley, he was raised singing the Christian gospel music of integrated southern Pentecostal churches. In 1950 he attended Southwestern Bible Institute in Texas but was expelled for misconduct, including playing rock and roll versions of hymns in church. Pearry Green (then president of the student body) related how during a talent show Jerry played some worldly music. The next morning the Dean of the school called both Jerry and Pearry into his office to expel them both. Jerry then said that Pearry shouldn't be expelled because "he didn't know what I was going to do." Years later Pearry asked Jerry: "Are you still playing the devil's music?" Jerry replied, "Yes, I am. But you know it's strange, the same music that they kicked me out of school for is the same kind of music they play in their churches today. The difference is, I know I am playing for the devil and they don't."
Leaving religious music behind, he became a part of the burgeoning new rock and roll sound, cutting his first record in 1954. Two years later, at Sun Records studio in Memphis, Tennessee, producer and engineer Jack Clement discovered and recorded Lewis for the Sun label, while owner Sam Phillips was away on a trip to Florida. As a result, Lewis joined Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash as stars who began their recording careers at Sun Studios around this same time.
Lewis' first recording at Sun studios was his own distinct version of the country ballad Crazy Arms. In 1957, his piano and the pure rock and roll sound of Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On propelled him to international fame. Great Balls of Fire soon followed, and would become his biggest hit. Watching and listening to Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis said if he could play the piano like that, he'd quit singing. Lewis' early billing was Jerry Lee Lewis and his Pumping Piano.
Lewis was a pioneer of piano rock, not only through his sound by also through his dynamic performance. He would often kick the piano bench out of the way to play standing, rake his hands up and down the keyboard for dramatic accent, and even sit down on it. His frenetic performance style can be seen in films such as High School Confidential (he sang the title song from the back of a flatbed truck), and Jamboree. These performance techniques have been adopted by recent piano rock artists, notably admirer Elton John.
Break Up
Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He shouldn't be allowed to come and take my baby away
Baby, why don't you wake up, all we gotta do is make up
Come on baby, don't break up with me
Well, I saw you walkin' with him just the other night
I almost flipped when I saw him squeeze you tight
Baby, why don't you wake up, all we gotta do is make up
Don't you remember when the time you were so true
Then he came along and looked at you
Don't you remember when you said you loved me so?
Baby, now please don't go
Look-a here, look-a here, I know you won't be true
If you like him and I know he likes you
Baby, why don't you wake up, all we gotta do is make up
Come on baby, don't break up with me
Don't you remember when the time you were so true
He came along and looked at you
Don't you remember when you said you love me so?
My baby, please don't go
Look-a here, babyt I know you won't be true
If you like him then I know he likes you
Baby, why don't you wake up, all we gotta do is make up
Come on baby, don't break up with me
Come on baby, don't break up with me
Come on baby, don't break up with me
The Jerry Lee Lewis song "Break Up" tells the story of a man struggling to keep his girlfriend from leaving him for another man. He questions her about the other guy, and pleads with her not to break up with him. He reminds her of the time they were in love and urges her to wake up and make up with him. He expresses his jealousy and anger at the thought of her being with someone else, and tries to convince her that they can work things out. The song is a classic example of the heartbreak and desperation that can come with a breakup.
The lyrics of "Break Up" capture the raw emotions of a relationship on the rocks, and the simple chords and catchy melody add to the emotional impact of the song. Jerry Lee Lewis was known for his energetic and passionate performances, and this song is no exception. His voice conveys the pain and urgency of a man pleading with his lover not to leave him. The song has remained popular over the years, a testament to the timeless nature of its message.
Overall, "Break Up" is a powerful song that speaks to the pain and frustration of a failed relationship. Its message is universal and timeless, and has resonated with listeners for over 60 years.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, who's that guy you've been seein' most every day?
I've noticed you spending a lot of time with someone else, and I want to know who he is.
He shouldn't be allowed to come and take my baby away
I don't think this other guy should have the power to take you away from me.
Baby, why don't you wake up, all we gotta do is make up
We just need to reconcile and work things out, so please realize this and come back to me.
Come on baby, don't break up with me
I don't want to lose you, so please don't leave me.
Well, I saw you walkin' with him just the other night
I saw you walking with the other guy, and it made me upset.
I almost flipped when I saw him squeeze you tight
Seeing him touch you in an intimate way made me feel jealous and angry.
Don't you remember when the time you were so true
Do you remember when we were faithful and committed to each other?
Then he came along and looked at you
But then this other guy came into the picture and caught your attention.
Don't you remember when you said you loved me so?
Do you remember when you professed your love for me?
Baby, now please don't go
I'm begging you not to leave me.
Look-a here, look-a here, I know you won't be true
I have a feeling that you won't remain faithful to me.
If you like him and I know he likes you
I suspect that you have feelings for him, and that he reciprocates those feelings.
Come on baby, don't break up with me
Once again, I implore you not to end our relationship.
Come on baby, don't break up with me
I'm still holding out hope that we can work through our problems.
Come on baby, don't break up with me
Please don't leave me, I don't want to lose you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Charlie Rich
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garys8990
Just heard this song for the first time on a tribute To Jerry Lee. Great song by a fantastic piano player!!
@SunRecords
Thanks for listening!
@danielburns987
this song only went to #52 on the pop charts in 1958!!!