Introduction:
“I Was the One” is a significant early recording by the iconic American singer Elvis Presley, marking a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career and the nascent stages of rock and roll. The song was recorded on January 11, 1956, at RCA’s Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. While not belonging to a specific, commercially released album upon its initial release, it was prominently featured as the B-side to his breakthrough hit single, “Heartbreak Hotel,” which was released on January 27, 1956, by RCA Victor. Later, “I Was the One” would find its place on various compilation albums celebrating Elvis’s early work, including the self-titled album “Elvis,” released in October 1956.
The music genre of “I Was the One” firmly resides within the realms of early rock and roll and rockabilly, showcasing the energetic fusion of blues, country, and gospel influences that characterized Elvis’s groundbreaking sound. Penned by Aaron Schroeder, Bill Peppers, Claude Demetrius, and Hal Blair, the song is a raw and emotionally charged expression of lost love and lingering regret. Its simple yet effective arrangement, featuring Scotty Moore’s signature guitar work and Bill Black’s rhythmic bass lines, provides a perfect backdrop for Elvis’s passionate vocals, which oscillate between tender vulnerability and assertive yearning.
While “I Was the One” lived in the shadow of the monumental success of its A-side companion, “Heartbreak Hotel,” it nonetheless contributed significantly to Elvis’s rapid ascent to stardom and the cultural phenomenon that was about to erupt. “Heartbreak Hotel” soared to the top of the Billboard Top 100 chart, becoming Elvis’s first No. 1 hit and catapulting him into the national spotlight. The double-sided success of this single cemented Elvis Presley as a major force in popular music and a key figure in the rock and roll revolution.
“I Was the One,” despite not achieving the standalone chart success of “Heartbreak Hotel,” was a crucial element of this early triumph. It demonstrated the breadth of Elvis’s vocal and emotional range, showcasing a deeper, more introspective side compared to the overtly dramatic “Heartbreak Hotel.” Its inclusion on the B-side meant that millions of listeners, captivated by the A-side, were also exposed to this compelling ballad, further solidifying Elvis’s artistic versatility and appeal.
The impact of this single cannot be overstated. It not only launched Elvis into the mainstream but also signaled a significant shift in popular music, bridging the gap between different genres and captivating a youthful audience eager for something new and rebellious. The success of “Heartbreak Hotel” and the compelling nature of “I Was the One” on the flip side paved the way for Elvis’s unprecedented career, forever altering the landscape of music and popular culture. While specific chart achievements are primarily attributed to “Heartbreak Hotel,” the combined impact of this groundbreaking single, featuring “I Was the One,” is an undeniable achievement in music history, marking the true dawn of the “King of Rock and Roll.”
Video:
Lyrics:
“I Was The One”
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.