Introduction:
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck stands out as a notable recording in Presley’s meteoric rise to fame. While not reaching number one on the pop charts like many of his previous releases, the song still achieved significant commercial success. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1958, showcasing Presley’s enduring popularity and cultural impact. However, Wear My Ring Around Your Neck did reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 B-side chart, a chart that ranked the flip side of singles, demonstrating its strength as a double-sided hit.
Wear My Ring Around Your Neck was released during a pivotal time in Presley’s career. Recorded in February 1958, amidst filming his movie King Creole, it coincided with tensions between Presley and his original bandmates, Scotty Moore (guitar) and Bill Black (bass). Despite these internal struggles, the session produced not only Wear My Ring Around Your Neck but also its B-side, “Don’tcha Think It’s Time.” This session marked the last recordings with Presley’s original band as they departed shortly thereafter. Wear My Ring Around Your Neck was produced by Presley’s longtime collaborator, Colonel Tom Parker, with songwriting credited to Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott.
Thematically, Wear My Ring Around Your Neck falls into the familiar territory of love and commitment, a common thread in Presley’s early music. The song features Presley’s signature charismatic vocals and a driving rock and roll beat. The lyrics depict a narrator pleading with his lover to wear a ring as a public declaration of their love. Despite its catchy melody and Presley’s undeniable charm, Wear My Ring Around Your Neck faced criticism for being too similar to Presley’s previous hits. However, the song’s chart performance and enduring popularity among fans solidify its place as a significant entry in Presley’s early discography.
Video:
Lyrics:
Won’t you wear my ring around your neckTo tell the world I’m yours, by heckLet them see your love for meAnd let them see by the ring around your neck
Won’t you wear my ring around your neckTo tell the world I’m yours, by heckLet them know I love you soAnd let them no by the ring around your neck
They say that goin’ steady is not the proper thingThey say that we’re too young to know the meaning of a ringI only know that I love you and that you love me tooSo, darling, please do what I ask of you
Won’t you wear my ring around your neckTo tell the world I’m yours, by heckLet them see your love for meAnd let them see by the ring around your neck
Well they say that goin’ steady is not the proper thingThey say that we’re too young to know the meaning of a ringI only know that I love you and that you love me tooSo, darling, please do what I ask of you
Won’t you wear my ring around your neckTo tell the world I’m yours, by heckLet them know I love you soAnd let them no by the ring around your neck
And let them know by the ring around your neckAnd let them know by the ring around your neck