Introduction:
Elvis Presley, the “King of Rock and Roll,” released “One Broken Heart for Sale” in 1963 as part of the soundtrack for his musical film It Happened at the World’s Fair. The song was written by the successful songwriting duo Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott, both of whom had worked on many of Presley’s earlier hits. Blackwell, in particular, was responsible for writing some of Elvis’ biggest successes, including “All Shook Up” and “Return to Sender.” This combination of seasoned writers and Presley’s unmistakable charisma helped propel “One Broken Heart for Sale” into the charts.
The song is classified as rock and roll, with elements of pop that made it appealing to a wide audience, in keeping with much of Elvis’ music from this period. “One Broken Heart for Sale” features Presley’s signature smooth vocals over an upbeat, catchy rhythm, blending a rockabilly edge with a mainstream pop sensibility.
“One Broken Heart for Sale” was released as a single by RCA Victor on January 29, 1963, and also featured on the It Happened at the World’s Fair soundtrack album. The producer for this recording was Joseph Lilley, who worked on many of Elvis’ film soundtracks during this period. While Lilley wasn’t as well-known in the rock and roll world, he had a long history in film music, contributing to various Hollywood productions, which gave the song a polished, radio-friendly sound.
Upon release, “One Broken Heart for Sale” reached #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and also achieved notable success in the United Kingdom, reaching #12 on the UK Singles Chart. Although it did not break into the top 10, which was more common for Elvis in the late 1950s and early 1960s, it still proved to be a popular and commercially viable release, showcasing his enduring appeal in both the U.S. and international markets. The song also demonstrated Presley’s ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining his core style that fans adored.
“One Broken Heart for Sale” was part of Elvis’ broader career trajectory during the early 1960s when he was focusing heavily on film roles and the accompanying soundtracks. Although this period of his career is often seen as less musically innovative than his earlier years, his popularity remained intact, and his releases continued to perform well on the charts. “One Broken Heart for Sale” encapsulates this era, reflecting the blend of rock, pop, and soundtrack work that characterized much of Elvis’ output at the time.
In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s “One Broken Heart for Sale” is a notable song from his film career, embodying his ability to successfully combine rock and pop music while maintaining a mass appeal. Despite not being one of his highest-charting singles, it remains a testament to his wide-ranging influence and continued commercial success during the early 1960s.
Video:
Lyrics:
“One Broken Heart For Sale”
(from “It Happened At The World’s Fair” soundtrack)Who wants to buy a heart
One broken lover’s heart
One broken heart for saleWell, excuse me if you see me crying like a baby
Since she rejected me
There’s nothing left to save meWho wants to buy a heart
One broken lover’s heart
One broken heart for saleShe would not listen to the things my heart was saying
She turned and walked away
And told me I was playingSome guys have all the luck
And my heart hasn’t any
I think I’ll paint a sign
For sale for a pennyWho wants…