Emotions

Brenda Lee

About Emotions

"Emotions" is a song written by Ramsey Kearney and Mel Tillis which became a Top Ten hit for Brenda Lee in 1961. The original version of "Emotions" was a solo composition by Ramsey Kearney: in 1957 Kearney recorded a demo of the song with which he approached the Nashville music publishers where Mel Tillis was a staff writer. Tillis would recall: "I really liked the song and I told him...'You know, I think that I can get the song recorded by Carl Smith.'" Carl Smith did indeed record the song with the track serving as B-side to his #2 C&W hit "Why, Why". In the summer of 1960 Tillis amended the lyrics to Kearney's original lyric for "Emotions" and successfully pitched the song for Brenda Lee to record. Lee recorded "Emotions" in an August 16, 1960 session at Bradley Film & Recording Studio in Nashville, TN: the session - produced and arranged by Owen Bradley and featuring Floyd Cramer on piano - also produced Lee's #1 hit "I Want to Be Wanted" which was the precedent single to "Emotions". With the B-side "I'm Learning About Love" - recorded with the same personnel at an August 19, 1960 session at Bradley Film & Recording Studio - "Emotions" was issued as a single in December 1960 and rose to a #7 peak in February 1961. "I'm Learning About Love" also became a Top 40 hit for Lee peaking at #33. 


Year:
2006
2:47
38 
#2

 Struggling with Emotions? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!

Emotions, what are you doin'?
Oh, don't you know, don't you know you'll be my ruin?
You've got me crying, crying again
When will you let this heartache end?

Emotions, you get me upset
Why make me remember what I want to forget?
I've been lonely, lonely too long
Emotions, please leave me alone

You worry my days, yes, you torture my nights
Never a dream, no, those dreams never turn out right

Emotions, ah, give me a break
Let me forget that I made a mistake
Oh, can't you see what you're doin' to me?
Emotions, please set me free

You worry my days, oh, you torture my nights
Never a dream, no, those dreams never turn out right

Emotions, ah, give me a break
Oh, let me forget that I made a mistake
Oh, can't you see what you're doing to me?
Emotions (ah, ah, ah) please set me free

 Struggling with Emotions? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Brenda Lee

Brenda Mae Tarpley (born December 11, 1944), known as Brenda Lee, is an American performer who sang rockabilly, pop and country music, and had 37 US chart hits during the 1960s, a number surpassed only by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Ray Charles and Connie Francis. She is best known for her 1960 hit "I'm Sorry", and 1958's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree", a US holiday standard for more than 50 years. more »

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Written by: MEL TILLIS, RAMSEY KEARNEY

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Emotions" is a song written by Mel Tillis and is popularly known for Brenda Lee's interpretation.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at the number 7 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961, showcasing Brenda Lee's popularity during that era.
Album Title Track
"Emotions" served as the title track for Brenda Lee's fourth studio album.
Country Music Connection
Mel Tillis, the songwriter, is a famous country singer-songwriter which gives the song a unique country aesthetic despite Brenda Lee's pop inclinations.
Teenage Phenomenon
When "Emotions" was released, Brenda Lee was only 17 years old, making her success with the track even more impressive.
Different Interpretations
While Brenda Lee's version of Emotions is the most known, the song was also covered by other artists like Conway Twitty and Marty Robbins.
Song's Theme
The song lyrics powerfully describe the tumultuous emotions experienced in the throes of love, making it relatable to many listeners.
Association with Christmas
Though not a holiday song, "Emotions" often gets play during the Christmas season due to Brenda Lee's association with the popular Christmas song "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."
Continuing Popularity
Brenda Lee’s version of "Emotions" continues to captivate audiences, and it can be found on many of Brenda Lee’s greatest hits compilation albums.
Recognition of Songwriter
Mel Tillis, the songwriter of the track, is considered one of the greatest country songwriters. In 2007, he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by his daughter, Pam Tillis. His work on "Emotions" further highlights his talent and versatility.

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    Emotions

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1961

    Billboard #7


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