Jensen began his career in music cutting records for Colpix, for whom he recorded his first single in 1959. He graduated from high school in Fort Lauderdale in 1960 and then recorded with Kapp Records and its subsidiary, Leader Records. In 1962 he moved on to Hickory Records, where he began recording many numbers by Nashville staff songwriters such as Boudleaux and Felice Bryant, Roy Orbison, Joe Melson, and John D. Loudermilk.
In 1962 he recorded "Torture", which Loudermilk had originally written for The Everly Brothers. The song became a hit, reaching #20 on the Billboard Hot 100, and after its success the Everly Brothers decided to record it as well. The song proved to be Jensen's only hit, though he recorded at least 32 songs over the course of his career. Reissues of his catalog were released to LP by Bear Family Records in 1979 and to CD by Sparkletone Records in 1995.
Torture
Kris Jensen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby, you're torturing me
Why do you lead me around and make me chase ya
When I catch ya, you won't let me embrace ya
Please baby, have a heart 'cause can't you see?
You're torturing me
Torturing me
This torture that I'm going through
Is worth the pain if I have you
So, if you love me, let me know
But if you don't, please let me go
Torture, torture
Baby, you're torturing me
You know that I'm crazy about you
Yet you make me do without you
Do you mean to hurt, or don't you see?
You're torturing me, torturing me
The song "Torture" by Kris Jensen talks about the emotional pain and frustration that the singer is experiencing due to a confusing and uncertain relationship. He feels like he is being led around by his love interest, making him chase her and then denying him the embrace he desires. He implores her to "have a heart" and see the effect she is having on him.
The singer acknowledges that the torture he is going through is worth it if he can have his love interest, so he asks her to let him know if she loves him or to let him go if she doesn't. He acknowledges that he is crazy about her and is left without her. He wonders whether his love interest is intentionally hurting him or if she doesn't realize the effect she is having on him.
Overall, the song is a heartfelt plea for clarity and honesty in a relationship that is causing the singer emotional turmoil. The lyrics are simple but effective, highlighting the pain of wanting someone who may not feel the same way.
Line by Line Meaning
Torture, torture
The pain and suffering endured due to the actions of the person being addressed is being conveyed.
Baby, you're torturing me
It is being conveyed that the actions being taken by the addressed person are causing extreme distress to the singer.
Why do you lead me around and make me chase ya
The singer is questioning why the addressed person is leading them on and torments them with their actions.
When I catch ya, you won't let me embrace ya
The artist conveys that when they do attempt to catch the addressed person, they always pull away and don't allow themselves to be held, resulting in further agony for the artist.
Please baby, have a heart 'cause can't you see?
The artist is appealing to the addressed person to have compassion for them and stop their actions because of the immense pain and suffering it is causing.
This torture that I'm going through, Is worth the pain if I have you
The singer conveys that the love they have for the addressed person and desire to be with them is so great that even though the actions being taken are causing agony, it is worth it if they end up together.
So, if you love me, let me know, But if you don't, please let me go
The singer makes an appeal to the addressed person to either reciprocate their love or let them go, instead of causing continued suffering through their ambiguity or unwillingness to commit.
You know that I'm crazy about you, Yet you make me do without you
The artist asserts that the addressed person is aware of the love they have for them, yet still continues to torment them by withholding affection and commitment.
Do you mean to hurt, or don't you see?
The artist raises the question of whether the addressed person is intentionally inflicting pain or unaware of the harm they are causing.
You're torturing me, torturing me
The repeated assertion of being tortured emphasizes the extreme distress and pain caused by the addressed person's actions, indicating again that some form of resolution or relief is needed.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Loudermilk
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind