Introduction
“I Was the One” is a song by Elvis Presley, written by Aaron Schroeder, Bill Peppers, Claude Demetrius, and Hal Blair. It was released as the B-side of Presley’s breakthrough single, “Heartbreak Hotel,” in 1956.
The song is a slow, bluesy ballad about a man who has been betrayed by his lover. He sings of how she lied to him and broke his heart, and how he wonders who could have taught her to do such a thing. In the chorus, he declares that he was the one who truly loved her, and that she will regret her decision when she realizes what she has lost.
“I Was the One” was recorded at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville on January 11, 1956, with Steve Sholes as producer. Presley’s performance is raw and passionate, and he delivers the lyrics with a sense of conviction that is unmatched by any other recording of the song.
The song was released as the B-side of “Heartbreak Hotel” on March 23, 1956. “Heartbreak Hotel” went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and “I Was the One” peaked at number 11.
“I Was the One” has become one of Presley’s most popular and enduring songs. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, The Beatles, and Eric Clapton. The song has also been featured in numerous films and television shows.
In addition to its commercial and critical success, “I Was the One” is also significant for its historical impact. It was released at the height of Presley’s popularity, and it helped to solidify his status as the King of Rock and Roll. The song’s bluesy sound and Presley’s passionate delivery were unlike anything that had been heard before, and they helped to usher in a new era of popular music.
“I Was the One” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. It is a song about heartbreak, betrayal, and regret, but it is also a song about resilience and hope. Presley’s performance is electrifying, and the song’s message is universal.
Here is a more detailed look at the song’s history and significance:
- The song’s writers were all experienced songwriters in the country music genre. Schroeder had already written several hits for Presley, including “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound Dog.” Peppers was a prolific songwriter who had written hits for numerous country artists. Demetrius and Blair were also experienced country songwriters, and they had collaborated on several hits together.
- The song’s slow, bluesy tempo was a departure from Presley’s previous recordings. His previous singles had been uptempo rockabilly songs, but “I Was the One” was a more mature and sophisticated sound. This new sound helped to broaden Presley’s appeal and reach a new audience.
- The song’s release coincided with Presley’s meteoric rise to fame. He had already become a household name with his previous singles, and “Heartbreak Hotel” went to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The success of “Heartbreak Hotel” helped to ensure that “I Was the One” would also be a hit.
- The song’s message of heartbreak and betrayal resonated with listeners at the time. The 1950s were a time of great social and cultural change, and many people were feeling lost and alone. “I Was the One” provided a voice for those who were struggling, and it helped them to feel less alone.
- The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, and it continues to be popular today. This is a testament to the song’s timeless quality and its universal appeal.
“I Was the One” is a classic Elvis Presley song that has stood the test of time. It is a song about heartbreak, betrayal, and regret, but it is also a song about resilience and hope. Presley’s performance is electrifying, and the song’s message is universal.
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Lyrics
I was the one who taught her to kiss
The way that she kisses you now.
And you know the way she touches your cheek,
Well, I taught her how.I was the one who taught her to cry
When she wants you under her spell.
The sight of her tears drives you out of your mind,
I taught her so well.And then one day
I had my love as perfect as could be.
She lived, she loved, she laughed, she cried,
And it was all for me.I’ll never know who taught her to lie.
Now that it’s over and done,
Who learned the lesson when she broke my heart?
I was the one.And then one day
I had my love as perfect as could be.
She lived, she loved, she laughed, she cried,
And it was all for me.I’ll never know who taught her to lie.
Now that it’s over and done,
Who learned the lesson when she broke my heart?
I was the one.