All I Could Do Was Cry

Etta James

About All I Could Do Was Cry

"All I Could Do Was Cry" is a doo-wop/rhythm and blues single recorded in 1960 and released that same year by singer Etta James. It written for James by Chess songwriter Billy Davis, Berry Gordy and his sister Gwen Gordy. The song was said to be inspired by James' former boyfriend Harvey Fuqua dating Davis' former girlfriend, who was Gwen. Gordy and Fuqua later married the same year the song was recorded, which likely added to the tension in James' bluesy vocals. The song eventually peaked at number 2 on the R&B charts and number 33 on the pop charts. James would later re-record the song in the early nineties. 


Year:
1999
2:57
115 
#4

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I heard church bells ringing,
I heard a choir singing.
I saw my love walk down the aisle.
On her finger, he placed a ring, oh, oh.

I saw them holding hands
She was standing there with my man.
I heard them promise 'til death do us part.
Each word was a pain in my heart.

Oh.  All I could do, all I could do was cry.
All I could do was cry.
I was losing the man that I loved,
and all I could do was cry.

And now the wedding is over,
rice has been thrown over their heads.
For them, life has just begun but mine is at an end

Oh.  All I could do, all I could do was cry.
All I could do was cry.
I was losing the man that I loved,
And all I could do was cry.

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Etta James

Etta James (born Jamesetta Hawkins; January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012) was an American singer. Her style spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz. Starting her career in 1954, she gained fame with hits such as "Roll With Me, Henry", "At Last", "Tell Mama", "Something's Got a Hold on Me", and "I'd Rather Go Blind" for which she wrote the lyrics. She faced a number of personal problems, including drug addiction, before making a musical resurgence in the late 1980s with the album The Seven Year Itch. more »

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Written by: BERRY JR GORDY, GWENDOLYN GORDY FUQUA, ROQUEL DAVIS

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"All I Could Do Was Cry" is one of the most popular songs recorded by Etta James, a famous American singer. She is known for her soulful, bluesy voice and dynamic performances.
Song Background
The song was released in 1960, as part of James' debut studio album "At Last!". The album marks the beginning of her prominent career in the music industry.
Song Composition
It was crafted by Billy Davis, Berry Gordy, and Gwen Gordy. Berry Gordy later became the founder of the Motown record label.
Lyrics and Theme
This melancholic song is noted for its raw emotion and delicate balance of pain and acceptance over a lover's wedding to another woman. Etta’s powerhouse voice brings the song’s heartbreaking lyrics to life.
Chart Performance
"All I Could Do Was Cry" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot R&B Sides chart, and it also reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Critical Review
With its deep lyrics and exceptional vocal delivery, the song has been critically acclaimed for exemplifying the oft-employed theme of heartbreak in rhythm and blues music.
Cover Versions
Various artists have performed cover versions of the song, celebrating its enduring influence. Notably, singer Beyoncé performed "All I Could Do Was Cry" in the 2008 film "Cadillac Records," portraying Etta James.
Song in Movies
The song appeared in the repertoire of the character Chess Records in the biographical drama film "Cadillac Records," which narrates the story of the Chicago-based record label that produced blues and R&B music during the 1950s.
Musical Style
“All I Could Do Was Cry” is characterized by a musical blend of rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel, which were Etta James' signature styles.
Legacy
Despite the success of her other songs, "All I Could Do Was Cry" remains one of Etta James's most recognized and enduring performances, contributing to her iconic status within the music industry.

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    All I Could Do Was Cry

    4.9M
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1960

    Billboard #33


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