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Sep 6, 20183 min read

Well Written Rock Songs: Don't Cry Daddy (Elvis Presley)


Song Name: Don't Cry Daddy

Artist: Elvis Presley

Written by: Scott Davis

Album: Released as Single Only

Genre: Country Rock

Release Date: November 1969

Introduction

This song for me is a tear jerker as I was always related to the lyrics. The song is not very long but it does outline the pain and sadness of when someone close passes away.

Background


I do not think that we need an introduction to who Elvis Presley is. Either you are a fan or not, you know who this music icon is. However, I would like to give a little context in terms of how this song came about.


The rhythm of the song was recorded on January 15th, 1969. The vocals were recorded on January 21st, 1969. Some say that this song was written as a consolation song for his dad. Elvis's father lost his wife in 1958 when his she passed away of a Heart Attack.


I did not realize this but this song was sung as a duet in 1997 by his daughter Lisa Marie Presley. It was never released commercially. Below is a bad recording of it. It was the only one that I could find.


Don't Cry Daddy - Elvis Presley and Lisa Marie Presley Duet


Lyrics



Today I stumbled from my bed With thunder crashing in my head My pillow still wet From last night tears And as I think of giving up A voice inside my coffee-cup Kept crying out Ringing in my ears Don't cry daddy Daddy, please don't cry Daddy, you've still got me and little Tommy Together we'll find a brand new mommy Daddy, daddy, please laugh again Daddy ride us on your back again Oh, daddy, please don't cry Why are children always first To feel the pain and hurt the worst It's true, but somehow It just don't seem right 'Cause ev'ry time I cry I know It hurts my little children so I wonder will it be the same tonight Don't cry daddy Daddy, please don't cry Daddy, you've still got me and little Tommy Together we'll find a brand new mommy Daddy, daddy, please laugh again Daddy ride us on your back again Oh, daddy, please don't cry Oh, daddy, please don't cry


Bottomline


Having lost my mother in my early teen years, this song always resonated with me. These times are always especially difficult and music sometimes can put into words what you would want to say. I think this is what this song was for me.


The first verse describes very well the feeling that you have when you are in that situation.


Today I stumbled from my bed With thunder crashing in my head My pillow still wet From last night tears And as I think of giving up A voice inside my coffee-cup Kept crying out Ringing in my ears


I may be wrong, but I always thought there were two parts to this song. The first one, is the husband / dad trying to cope with the loss. However the second part is from the perspective of the kid and how he feels and would like his dad by giving some encouragement.


I think this is one of Elvis's great songs. Some like him and others do not, but you cannot deny the power of this song. If you ever went through a time in your life as tragic as losing a mom or wife, this song will always come and get you, no matter where you are.


Elvis did not write the song, but he added the voice and emotion to it. The words alone are powerful but hearing them, makes it even more powerful.


Don't Cry Daddy: Elvis Presley (Original)



What do you think? Is this song too sappy or is it is great song by a pop icon? Let us know in the comments below.





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