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.
Your Cheatin' Heart
Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But sleep won't come the whole night through your cheating heart will tell on you
When tears come down like falling rain you'll toss around and call my name
You're gonna walk the floor the way I do your cheating heart is gonna tell on you
[ piano ]
Yes when tears're coming down...
The lyrics of Jerry Lee Lewis's song Your Cheatin' Heart describe the pain and heartbreak of being betrayed by a lover. The repeated line, "Your cheating heart will make you weep," highlights the inevitability of the consequences of unfaithfulness. The singer tells the listener that they will cry and try to sleep but that their guilt will keep them awake. The line "You're gonna walk the floor the way I do" emphasizes the pain and restlessness that come with heartbreak. The song ends with the assurance that the cheater's heart will "tell on" them, suggesting that the truth will come out eventually.
Overall, this song is a classic example of a country ballad, with a simple melody and lyrics that express deep emotions. The use of piano and Lewis's voice contribute to the song's melancholy tone, capturing the despair of someone who has been wronged by their significant other.
Line by Line Meaning
Your cheating heart will make you weep you'll cry and cry you'll try to sleep
Your unfaithful actions will eventually catch up to you and cause you immense emotional pain, leading to sleepless nights filled with tears.
But sleep won't come the whole night through your cheating heart will tell on you
Despite your attempts to mask your infidelity, your conscience will keep you awake all night and your guilt will ultimately be exposed.
When tears come down like falling rain you'll toss around and call my name
As you face the consequences of your disloyalty, you will long for the comfort and support of the person you betrayed, but it will be too late.
You're gonna walk the floor the way I do your cheating heart is gonna tell on you
You will experience the same agony and restlessness that your actions caused your partner, and the truth of your deceit will eventually come to light.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Hank Williams, Sr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind