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.
Come What May
Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A love like ours remains divine, come what may
Even though we’re miles apart, you’re living in my lonely heart
Even though the tear drops start, fills the long, long day
Got your picture near me since you went away
Plant a kiss upon my lips both night and day
Bearing mind that you are fine, a love that’s true
I am yours and you are mine, come what may
Love like our remains divine, come what May
And a kiss upon your lips, I’ll place my hands upon your hips
I’ll kiss your lovin' lips, everything's fine so fine, fine, fine
I’d like to hold you, squeeze you tight, 'cause you are mine
Oh, I miss you so, can’t let you go, hunny love is mine
And my bearing mind that you are fine, a love that’s true
And I’ll be here for you, come what may
And I’ll be here for you, come what may, baby please
I’ll be here for you, come what may
The lyrics of Jerry Lee Lewis's "Come What May" express the deep and unwavering commitment of a lover who is separated from the object of their affection - and yet remains steadfastly devoted to them, no matter what challenges may come their way. The repeated refrain of "I am yours and you are mine, come what may" reflects a sense of unbreakable connection between two people who are truly meant to be together, regardless of any obstacles that may arise.
Even though the couple is physically apart, the singer's lover is always with them in spirit, captured in the image of their picture that they keep near. This image serves as a powerful reminder of the love that they share, which is described as divine and everlasting. As the singer longs for their lover's touch and yearns to hold them tight, they cling to the belief that their love is true and enduring, and that they will always be there for each other, no matter what life brings.
Overall, the lyrics of "Come What May" illustrate the power and resilience of true love, and the enduring commitment that can arise between two people who are truly meant to be together. Despite the trials and tribulations that may come their way, the lovers described in the song remain steadfastly devoted to each other, bound together by a love that is truly unbreakable.
Line by Line Meaning
I am yours and you are mine, come what may
We belong to each other no matter what happens.
A love like ours remains divine, come what may
Our love is special and will endure any challenges.
Even though we’re miles apart, you’re living in my lonely heart
Despite the physical distance between us, you are always in my thoughts and feelings.
Even though the tear drops start, fills the long, long day
Even if I cry and feel sad, my love for you lasts every moment of the day.
Got your picture near me since you went away
I keep your picture close to me because I miss you so much.
Plant a kiss upon my lips both night and day
I imagine kissing you all the time, day and night, because I miss you.
Bearing mind that you are fine, a love that’s true
Thinking of your well-being and knowing that our love is genuine.
And a kiss upon your lips, I’ll place my hands upon your hips, I’ll kiss your lovin' lips, everything's fine so fine, fine, fine
When I finally see you again, I want to embrace you and show you how much I love you.
I’d like to hold you, squeeze you tight, 'cause you are mine
I want to hug you tightly because I care about you and consider you mine.
Oh, I miss you so, can’t let you go, hunny love is mine
I feel so much longing because I cannot let you go, you are mine and I love you.
And I’ll be here for you, come what may
No matter what happens, I will always be here for you.
And I’ll be here for you, come what may, baby please
I repeat that I will always be here for you, my love, through everything.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Frank Tableporter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Laurent Gilbert
Great song. As always Jerry Lee is fabulous!
Thanks to KennethRockingDaddy for sharing.
rodrigo suarez
I got this one! Great great album! Thanks for sharing!
Faithful Servant
awesome❤
Vince Taylor
jerry lee lewis dans un boogie woogie endiablée