Fever

Jack Marshall, Peggy Lee

About Fever

"Fever" is a song written by Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell, who used the pseudonym John Davenport. It was originally recorded by American R&B singer Little Willie John for his debut album, Fever (1956), and released as a single in April of the same year. The song managed to top the Billboard R&B Best Sellers in the US and peak at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was received positively by music critics and included on several lists of the best songs during the time it was released. It has been covered by numerous artists from various musical genres, most notably by Peggy Lee, whose rendition became the most widely known version of "Fever" and the singer's signature song. Lee's version contained rewritten lyrics different from the original and an altered music arrangement. It became a top-five hit on the music charts in the UK and Australia in addition to entering the top ten in the US and the Netherlands. "Fever" was nominated in three categories at the 1st Annual Grammy Awards in 1959, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. 


Year:
1999
93 

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Never know how much I love you
Never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me
I get a fever that's so hard to bear
You give me fever (you give me fever) when you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight (you give me fever)
Fever in the mornin'
Fever all through the night

Sun lights up the day time
Moon lights up the night
I light up when you call my name
'Cause I know you're gonna treat me right
You give me fever (You give me fever) when you kiss me
Fever when you hold me tight (You give me fever)
Fever in the mornin'
Fever all through the night (Wow!)

Everybody's got the fever
That is somethin' you all know
Fever isn't such a new thing
Fever started long time ago

(You give me fever)
Baby, turn on your love light (Yeah, yeah)
Let it shine on me (Yeah, yeah)
Well, baby, turn on your love light (Yeah, yeah)
And let it shine on me (Yeah, yeah)
Well, just a little bit higher (Yeah, yeah)
And just a little bit brighter, baby (Yeah, yeah) 
Ow!

You give me fever (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
You give me fever (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
You give me fever (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
You give me fever

Romeo loved Juliet
Juliet she felt the same
When he put his arms around her
He said, "Julie baby you're my flame"
Thou givest fever when we kisseth
Fever with thy flaming youth
Fever I'm on fire
Fever yea I burn forsooth

Captain Smith and Pocahontas
Had a very mad affair
When her daddy tried to kill him
She said "Daddy oh don't you dare"
"He gives me fever with his kisses"
"Fever when he holds me tight"
"Fever, I'm his missus"
"Daddy won't you treat him right?"

Now you've listened to my story
Here's the point that I have made
Chicks were born to give you fever
Be it Fahrenheit or centigrade
We give you fever when we kiss you
Fever if you live and learn
Fever till you sizzle
What a lovely way to burn 
What a lovely way to burn 
What a lovely way to burn 
What a lovely way to burn

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Peggy Lee

Peggy Lee (May 26, 1920 – January 21, 2002) was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress in a career spanning six decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman's big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and performer. She wrote music for films, acted, and created conceptual record albums—encompassing poetry, jazz, chamber pop, and art songs. more »

1 fan

Written by: Eddie Cooley, Otis Blackwell

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Round Hill Music Big Loud Songs

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Beyoncé's Version
Beyoncé covered "Fever" for her debut solo studio album, "Dangerously in Love" in 2003. - She performed the song live on various shows including The Today Show and the 2010 Essence Music Festival. - Her version of “Fever” is influenced by jazz and blues and has a slower, sulky vibe compared to some other versions.
Little Willie John's Version
"Fever" was originally recorded by Little Willie John for his debut album in 1956. - His version of the song reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart. - Despite his success with "Fever", John's career was short-lived due to his early death at age 30.
Madonna's Version
Madonna included a dance-pop version of "Fever" on her 1992 album "Erotica." - Her version was released as a single in 1993 and reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. - She changed some of the lyrics and added a bridge to the song.
Peggy Lee's Version
Peggy Lee's version of "Fever", recorded in 1958, is perhaps the most famous rendition of this song. - Lee reworked the arrangement and added her own lyrics, transforming the song into a sultry jazz classic. - Her version peaked at number 8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The McCoys' Version
The McCoys covered "Fever" in 1965, and it was included in their debut studio album, "Hang on Sloopy." - Their rendition was influenced by the rock and roll genre. - The McCoys' version remained largely true to the original, but their youthful energy brought a new dimension to the song.

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    Fever

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1958

    Billboard #8


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