About The Song
In this hit ballad written by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Elvis Presley passionately implores his love interest not to resist his romantic advances, assuring her of his unwavering commitment:
This you can believe
I will never leave you
Heaven knows I won’t
Baby, don’t say don’t
Mike Stoller, who also played Elvis’ piano player in “Jailhouse Rock,” recounted how Elvis approached him after a film shoot and expressed his desire for a heartfelt ballad. Over a weekend, Stoller and Leiber composed “Don’t” on a Saturday morning, had Young Jessie of the Flairs record an Elvis-style demo on Sunday, and presented it to the King on Monday. Elvis loved the song, recorded it, and within three weeks of “Jailhouse Rock” reaching #1, “Don’t” also topped the charts. However, the success didn’t sit well with Freddy Bienstock, responsible for selecting songs for Elvis.
Bienstock was upset that Stoller had given the song directly to Elvis without consulting him or Jean Aberbach, the head of Hill & Range publishing. When Leiber asked if Elvis disliked the song, Bienstock replied, “No, the problem is that he likes it.” By bypassing the usual channels, the songwriters sidestepped contract negotiations, ensuring that Elvis and Hill & Range would retain publishing rights. Additionally, Elvis’ manager, “Colonel” Tom Parker, was known for his control over Elvis’s career and didn’t appreciate anyone working outside of his purview. Despite this procedural hiccup, Leiber & Stoller continued to provide Elvis with hit songs, including “Treat Me Nice” and the Christmas classic “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.”
“Don’t” also made an impact on other music charts, reaching #2 on the country chart and #4 on the R&B chart. Its B-side, “I Beg Of You,” also written by Rose Marie McCoy, became a Top 10 hit.
In popular culture, “Don’t” was featured in the 1992 comedy film “Dave,” starring Kevin Kline. It also made an appearance in the TV show “Big Little Lies” in the 2017 episode titled “You Get What You Need.”
Video Song
Lyrics Song
Don’t, don’t, that’s what you say
Each time that I hold you this way
When I feel like this and I want to kiss you
Baby, don’t say don’tDon’t, don’t leave my embrace
For here in my arms is your place
When the night grows cold and I want to hold you
Baby, don’t say don’tIf you think that this is just a game
I’m playing
If you think that I don’t mean
Every word I’m saying
Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t
Don’t feel that way
I’m your love and yours I will stayThis you can believe
I will never leave you
Heaven knows I won’t
Baby, don’t say don’t