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.
My Carolina Sunshine Girl
Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You make me think of a sweetheart a little girl that, I love so
After I wonder the whole night through, wondering if you think of me
Why am I lonesome thinking of someone I'm thinking only of you
My Carolina sunshine girl, you have turned my heart to stone
My Carolina sunshine girl, you have left me all alone
When I really should laugh at your photograph
For you're the sweetest angel in this world
And I love love love you my Carolina sunshine girl
I wonder why I sit and cry
When I really should laugh at your little old photograph
For you're the sweetest angel in this world
And I love love love you my Carolina sunshine girl
Jerry Lee Lewis's song "My Carolina Sunshine Girl" is a heartfelt ode to a lost love that has left the singer feeling lonely and broken-hearted. The opening lines of the song lament the sinking moon, which reminds the singer of his "sweetheart," and how he is left wondering if she thinks of him too. Even though their love has ended, the singer cannot help but think of her and long for her company. The melancholic tune is full of sorrow, as the singer tries to come to terms with his loneliness, but is unable to shake the memories of his lost love.
In the chorus, the singer directly addresses his lost love and speaks of how she has "turned [his] heart to stone" and left him alone. He wonders why he sits and cries, even though he should be able to laugh at her photograph, since he cannot help but feel love for his "Carolina sunshine girl." The second verse echoes the sentiment of the first, with the singer struggling to reconcile his memories of his lost love with the pain of their separation.
"My Carolina Sunshine Girl" is a poignant depiction of a broken heart, full of sadness and longing. Jerry Lee Lewis's emotive vocals and mournful piano playing give the song a haunting quality that lingers long after the final notes have faded.
Line by Line Meaning
Moon, moon I can see you sinking low
As the moon descends, I am reminded of my beloved Carolina Sunshine Girl.
You make me think of a sweetheart a little girl that, I love so
The moon's presence brings to mind my cherished Carolina Sunshine Girl whom I adore deeply.
After I wonder the whole night through, wondering if you think of me
Throughout each night, I ponder if you too are thinking of me, my Carolina Sunshine Girl.
Why am I lonesome thinking of someone I'm thinking only of you
Despite thinking of only you, my Carolina Sunshine Girl, I find myself alone and melancholic.
My Carolina sunshine girl, you have turned my heart to stone
Your absence has caused my heart to become hardened and unfeeling, my Carolina Sunshine Girl.
My Carolina sunshine girl, you have left me all alone
Your departure has left me completely alone and without your warm presence, my Carolina Sunshine Girl.
I wonder why I sit and cry
I question my tears and why I am shedding them over my longing for you, my Carolina Sunshine Girl.
When I really should laugh at your photograph
Instead of crying, I should find joy in looking at a photo of you, my Carolina Sunshine Girl.
For you're the sweetest angel in this world
You are the most kind and wonderful person in the world, my Carolina Sunshine Girl.
And I love love love you my Carolina sunshine girl
I love you more than words can express, my Carolina Sunshine Girl.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JIMMIE RODGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Richard Cranium
My Grandad toured with Jerry for a couple yrs. Grandad was mostly a drummer, but he played some rhythm guitar on a couple tunes
Richard Cranium
@Blackvalley Tom I'm not 100% on that, I'd have to get with mom, but late 50s I know he did some shows in Europe, but not for sure off the top of my head where. I'm at work right now. I've got a box of memorabilia, at home. I should get it out. I haven't looked at it in several yrs
Blackvalley Tom
Cool! What year?
Paul L Gaston
Very interesting. I'm happy you're here listening to the Killer!
Long Tall Friday
Very interesting piano work, since it at some points doesn't behave like a piano 😉
Kuglica Mala
...always having comb in his jeans back pocket :)