Elvis Presley – Love Me
There’s a certain timelessness in the voice of Elvis Presley—a smooth, velvet resonance that transcends generations, trends, and even genres. Among the many ballads that cemented his place as the King of Rock and Roll, “Love Me” stands as a poignant example of his ability to channel vulnerability and longing through music. Released in 1956 as part of his album Elvis, this song might not have stormed the charts in the same way his more upbeat hits did, but it became an enduring fan favorite and a showcase of Presley’s emotional range.
Introduction
What makes “Love Me” so captivating is its raw simplicity. At its core, it is a plea—a humble request for affection, even in the face of mistreatment. “Treat me like a fool, treat me mean and cruel, but love me,” he sings with a mix of desperation and devotion that only Elvis could make sound beautiful. The lyrics are almost submissive, an inversion of traditional masculine roles, which was bold and provocative for its time. Yet it’s not the lyrics alone that carry the emotional weight—it’s Presley’s voice, tinged with yearning, pain, and a touch of resignation, that makes the song unforgettable.
“Love Me” wasn’t originally written for Elvis. The song was penned by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the same team behind many rock ‘n’ roll classics like Hound Dog and Jailhouse Rock. Initially intended as a parody of overly sentimental love songs, it took on a whole new life when Elvis Presley performed it with sincere emotion. What was once meant as satire turned into an anthem of heartbreak, thanks to Presley’s masterful interpretation.
Musically, the song leans toward blues and doo-wop, with its slow tempo and sparse instrumentation creating a sense of intimacy. The backing vocals—provided by The Jordanaires—are subtle, never overshadowing Elvis, but adding layers of harmony that soften the sorrow of the main melody. It’s a ballad that doesn’t demand attention with grandeur or technical complexity. Instead, it whispers its way into your memory, much like a bittersweet letter you’ve read too many times.
In live performances, especially during the 1968 Comeback Special, Elvis Presley would often perform “Love Me” with a knowing wink, blending sincerity with a touch of playful charm. This duality—being both utterly earnest and fully aware—was a hallmark of his stage persona, and perhaps one reason why his music still resonates with listeners decades later.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1]
Treat me like a fool
Treat me mean and cruel, but love me
Wring my faithful heart
Tear it all apart, but love me (Won’t you love me?)[Verse 2]
Well, if you ever go
Darling, I’ll be oh-so lonely
I’ll be sad and blue
Crying over you, dear only[Chorus]
I would beg and steal (Beg and steal)
Just to feel (Just to feel)
Your heart (I want your heart)
Beating close to mine (So close to mine)[Verse 3]
Well, if you ever go
Darling, I’ll be oh-so lonely
I’ll be sad and blue
Crying over you, dear only (Ooh)[Chorus]
I would beg and steal (He would beg and steal)
Just to feel (Yes, just to feel)
Your heart (I want your heart)
Beating close to mine (So close to mine)