Introduction
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You): A Heartbreak Anthem with a Rockabilly Twist
“I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You)” might conjure up an image of the young Elvis Presley, but the song’s journey began a few years earlier. Songwriting duo Joe “Cornbread” Thomas and Howard Biggs penned the tune in 1953. The first recorded version came in 1954 by Roy Hamilton, a popular R&B singer known for his smooth baritone.
However, the song’s trajectory truly changed course in 1956. A young Elvis Presley, just starting his meteoric rise, included “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You)” on his debut album, simply titled “Elvis Presley.” Presley’s rendition took the original R&B sound and infused it with his signature rockabilly style. His energetic vocals and the driving rhythm section transformed the song into a heart-wrenching rocker, perfectly capturing the angst of a young love lost.
The Elvis version became the definitive one, overshadowing the original. It showcased Presley’s charisma and ability to connect with audiences through sheer emotional delivery. The song’s success solidified his status as a rising star and helped pave the way for the rock and roll revolution.
“I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You)” transcended its Elvis Presley association. The Beatles, heavily influenced by early rock and roll, covered the song during their early Hamburg days in the early 1960s. Their version, released years later, displayed their own take on the rockabilly sound, a testament to the song’s lasting influence.
So, when you hear the opening chords of “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You),” you’re not just listening to an Elvis song. You’re experiencing a piece of musical history, a song that captured the essence of heartbreak and rebellion, all wrapped up in a rockabilly package.