Nelson began his entertainment career in 1949, playing himself in the radio sitcom series, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. In 1952, he appeared in his first feature film, Here Come the Nelsons. In 1957, he recorded his first single ("I'm Walkin' b/w "A Teenager's Romance", Verve 10047X4S), debuted as a singer on the television version of the sitcom, and released the No. 1 album titled Ricky. In 1958, Nelson released his first #1 single, "Poor Little Fool", and in 1959 received a Golden Globe nomination for "Most Promising Male Newcomer" after starring in Rio Bravo. A few films followed, and when the television series was cancelled in 1966, Nelson made occasional appearances as a guest star on various television programs. In his twenties, he moved away from the pop music of his youth, and began to perform in a more country rock style. After recording several albums with mostly session musicians, most of which flopped, he formed the Stone Canyon Band in 1969 and experienced a career resurgence, buoyed by the live album In Concert at the Troubadour, 1969 and had a surprise hit with 1972's "Garden Party", which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. His comeback was short-lived, however, as his record label was bought out and folded, and his followup albums were not well promoted by his new label. He continued to perform live and take small television roles through the 1970s, though his label dropped him by the end of the decade. He released two more albums, with unimpressive results, before his death in a plane crash on New Year's Eve, 1985.
Nelson was married once, to Sharon Kristin Harmon, from 1963 until their divorce in 1982. They had four children: actress Tracy Nelson, twin sons and musicians Gunnar and Matthew, and actor Sam.
Nelson was born on May 8, 1940, in Teaneck, New Jersey. He was the second son of entertainment couple Harriet Hilliard Nelson (born Peggy Lou Snyder; July 18, 1909 – October 2, 1994) and Ozzie Nelson (March 20, 1906 – June 3, 1975). His father Ozzie was of half Swedish descent. The Nelsons' older son was actor David Nelson (October 24, 1936 – January 11, 2011).
On May 8, 1961 (his 21st birthday), he officially modified his recording name from "Ricky Nelson" to "Rick Nelson". His childhood nickname proved hard to shake, especially among the generation who had watched him grow up on "Ozzie and Harriet". Even in the 1980s, when Nelson realized his dream of meeting Carl Perkins, Perkins noted that he and "Ricky" were the last of the "rockabilly breed".
In 1963, Nelson signed a 20-year contract with Decca Records. After some early successes with the label, most notably 1964's "For You" (#6), Nelson's chart career came to a dramatic halt in the wake of Beatlemania, The British Invasion, and later the Counterculture era. However, instead of dropping him, Decca kept him on board.
In the mid-1960s, Nelson began to move towards country music, becoming a pioneer in the country-rock genre. He was one of the early influences of the so-called "California Sound" (which would include singers like Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt and bands such as Eagles). Yet Nelson himself did not reach the Top 40 again until 1970, when he recorded Bob Dylan's "She Belongs to Me" with the Stone Canyon Band, featuring Randy Meisner, who in 1971 became a founding member of the Eagles, and former Buckaroo steel guitarist Tom Brumley.
Nelson died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1985, flying from Guntersville, Alabama, to Dallas, Texas, for a concert. The plane he was on, a Douglas DC-3, had a history of mechanical problems. All seven passengers, including Blair, died. Only the two pilots survived.
Nelson's funeral took place at the Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery, on January 6, 1986, and he was privately buried in the Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills Cemetery, in Los Angeles. His estate was bequeathed to his children.
It's up to You
Ricky Nelson Lyrics
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Because I've done everything I can
I hope that you
Will say that I'm your lovin' man
And do what you're gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I'm leaving it up to you
It's all so clear
That I would give everything I own
To have you near
Never leave me all alone
I need your love
So, darling, please be fair
Let me know where I stand
And I hope that you say you care
Well I've laid my cards on the table
And its oh so plain to see
That I'm ready, willing and able
To love you faithfully
It's up to you
No, it's not for me to say
You love me too
Oh, but I hope you feel that way
Make up your mind
And do what you're gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I'm leaving it up to you
Make up your mind
And do what you're gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I'm leaving it up to you
It's up to you
Darling, it's up to you
Baby, it's up to you
Darling, it's up to you
Baby, it's up to you
Darling. it's up to you
Baby, it's up to you
In Ricky Nelson's song "It's Up to You," the singer is pleading with his lover to make a decision about their relationship. He expresses that he has done everything he can and hopes that she will call him her "lovin' man." The lyrics highlight the singer's vulnerability and desire for her love, as he says he would give everything he owns to have her near and never leave him alone. He recognizes that he has laid his cards on the table and is ready to love her faithfully. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes that the decision is ultimately up to her and leaves the listener wondering what her response will be.
Overall, the lyrics showcase the singer's desperation and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win her love. It also speaks to the common struggle of wanting to control a situation but realizing that ultimately, the other person's decision is out of your hands.
Line by Line Meaning
It's up to you
The decision is yours to make.
Because I've done everything I can
I have put forth my best effort.
I hope that you
Will say that I'm your lovin' man
I desire to be recognized as your devoted partner.
Make up your mind
And do what you're gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I'm leaving it up to you
You must decide and act on your own free will, but know that I have expressed my emotional state and will respect your choice.
It's all so clear
That I would give everything I own
To have you near
Never leave me all alone
My love for you is unwavering, I am willing to make sacrifices for your companionship, and fear being without you.
I need your love
So, darling, please be fair
Let me know where I stand
And I hope that you say you care
I depend on your affection, but request honesty about your feelings towards me.
Well I've laid my cards on the table
And its oh so plain to see
That I'm ready, willing and able
To love you faithfully
I have revealed my feelings and intentions, and I am prepared and devoted to loving you sincerely.
No, it's not for me to say
You love me too
Oh, but I hope you feel that way
I cannot force you to reciprocate my feelings, but I desire that you do.
Darling, it's up to you
Baby, it's up to you
My fate with you rests solely in your hands.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jerry Fuller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind