Lewis was born in DeQuincy, Louisiana, U.S., with the given name of Overton Amos Lemons.
He began to play music in New Orleans, in his mid-teens. Lewis had hit songs in 1952 with "The Bells Are Ringing", and in 1955 with the original recorded version of "I Hear You Knocking" (written by Dave Bartholomew and Pearl King).
Lewis' own song "Blue Monday" was covered by Fats Domino. Whilst Elvis Presley's cover of the Lewis song "One Night" (altering one risque lyric) was #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, and #1 on UK Singles Chart.
Dave Edmunds' cover of "I Hear You Knocking" also reached number one in the UK. His version of the song lyric actually name checks Lewis (alongside Chuck Berry and Huey Smith).
Lewis' track "Shame, Shame, Shame" appeared on the soundtrack of the film, Baby Doll in 1956, but failed to find entry to the R&B chart.
Lewis died in the autumn of 1966 from stomach cancer. He was all but forgotten outside of his New Orleans home base.
one night
Smiley Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is what I'm now paying for
The things I did and I saw
Would make the earth stand still
Don't call my name
It makes me feel so ashamed
I lost my sweet helping hand
Always lived, very quiet life
Never never did no wrong
Now I know that very quiet life
Has cost me nothing but harm
One night of sin,
Is what I'm now paying for
The things I did and I saw
Would make the earth stand still
Don't call my name it makes me feel so ashamed
I've lost my sweet helping hand, I've got myself to blame
The lyrics to Smiley Lewis's song "One Night" narrate the singer's regrettable actions of one fateful night. The opening line "One night of sin, is what I'm now paying for" acknowledges their wrongdoing, and the following lines "The things I did and I saw, would make the earth stand still" implies that these actions were severe and impactful. The singer then states that they feel ashamed when their name is called out, indicating that they are remorseful about what they did. They acknowledge their responsibility for their situation by saying "I got myself to blame."
The second verse of the song emphasizes the irony of the situation. The singer claims that they have always lived a "very quiet life" and "never did no wrong." However, this lifestyle has ultimately led them to harm, indicating that sometimes taking uncharacteristic actions can sometimes lead to unexpected consequences.
Overall, the song's lyrics highlight the idea that one's actions have consequences and that sometimes, even a single night of sinful behavior can have severe consequences, including feelings of guilt and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
One night of sin,
I am now suffering the consequences of one sinful night that has caused me great distress.
Is what I'm now paying for
The repercussions of my actions have led me to this current state of regretful punishment.
The things I did and I saw
The activities and experiences I participated in during that night were highly inappropriate and morally questionable.
Would make the earth stand still
The severity of my actions could cause the entire world to come to a halt if they were revealed.
Don't call my name
Please do not address me with my given name, as it causes me to feel immense shame.
It makes me feel so ashamed
Calling me by my name reminds me of the regretful actions that I have committed, causing me immense feelings of guilt and humiliation.
I lost my sweet helping hand
The person who used to support me and provide assistance is no longer by my side, probably due to my indiscretions.
I got myself to blame
The root cause of my problems is entirely due to my own actions, and I am responsible for any negative outcomes that may arise from them.
Always lived, very quiet life
I have lived a peaceful and uneventful existence, without any major incidents or scandals.
Never never did no wrong
I have never acted in an immoral or illicit manner before this particular event.
Now I know that very quiet life
I realize that my previous life of inactivity and complacency has led to the downfall I am currently experiencing.
Has cost me nothing but harm
My previous behavior has resulted in the negative consequences that I am currently facing, causing me great pain and misfortune.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Actual Music, S.L., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Anita Steiman, Dave Bartholomew, Pearl King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Buddyroe Ginocchio
Isn't it interesting the original One Night (of sin is what I'm paying for) is a song of repentance while the 'cleaned up' One Night (with you is what I'm praying for) is a supplication to have an affair. This is the exact reverse of what was attempted in a clean up. They probably assumed correctly that few listened to the lyrics that closely and that 'sin' was naughty and 'praying' was nice.
Thanks for posting 45Prof, Smiley Lewis does some great vocal work on his version.
Dennis Rein
The fact is, Elvis re-wrote the lyrics because both his manager and record company had reservations about the suggestive lyrics.
glipglopPapi995
OH nice song analysis pretty interesting
David Law
The Elvis version of One Night was the very first single I ever bought. ( I still have it.) One Night became the UK's 1000th number one single (On Cd) in January 2005. Still one of my all time favourite tracks. Elvis at his best.
David Law
@Dr Richard Arerbac You are right of course, I have had the Smiley Lewis recording for some time. In my "Den", I have my first single framed together with the following additional information. "Written by Dave Bartholmew, Pearl King and Anita Stienman. Originally recorded by Smiley Lewis in 1956. Elvis recorded the "Sin" version 18th January 1957 . The suggestive lyrics were not acceptable. The re-worked version was released in October 1958. The Sin version was eventually released on album in 1983." I have had rerecording of the "Sin" version for years. I trust this supplementary information gives credit where credit is due as you require. 🎅.
Dr Richard Arerbac
Yeah, however remember the song isn't original by Elvis though the song was written by Dave Bartholomew and his wife
And first recorded and aired by Smiley Lewis in 1956 and Elvis covered and record the song in 1983 let's be clear and gives the credit to those who deserve it thanks 🤠
glipglopPapi995
This song is a banger, love the way he carries his voice
iVenge
Lord have mercy... I long for the days of this kind of music. Just simple instruments and a soulful singer, with a moving melody.
Michael Corvin
Ain't that the truth!!
DaVonna Steele
They just don't make music like this no more n it's a shame....I missed out😭😭😭😭😭😭😭