Introduction:
“Just Because” is a classic song that Elvis Presley recorded during the early years of his career, showcasing his ability to reinterpret traditional country and rockabilly tunes. The song was originally written and recorded by the Shelton Brothers in 1935, gaining popularity as a Western swing tune. However, Elvis Presley’s version, released on November 21, 1956, gave it a new life and introduced it to a younger audience.
Presley’s version of “Just Because” was included on his debut studio album, Elvis Presley, which was released on March 23, 1956, by RCA Victor. This album is significant because it marked the first full-length release by Presley and was a major step in establishing him as a national star. The album is a mixture of different genres, blending rock and roll, country, and rhythm and blues, reflecting the diverse musical influences that shaped Presley’s sound.
Elvis’ rendition of “Just Because” fits squarely within the rockabilly genre, with its upbeat tempo and twangy guitar riffs. Rockabilly, which combines elements of rock and roll and country music, was a genre Presley helped popularize in the mid-1950s, and this song is a fine example of that style. His unique vocal delivery, combined with his band’s lively instrumentation, transformed the song from its original Western swing roots into a rockabilly classic.
While “Just Because” was not released as a single and therefore did not achieve chart-topping success on its own, it remains an important track on Presley’s debut album, which was a massive commercial success. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and remained at the top for several weeks, making Elvis the first rock and roll artist to achieve this feat. In addition, the album has been certified Gold and later Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying its enduring popularity.
“Just Because” is a testament to Elvis Presley’s ability to take existing songs and rework them in a way that resonated with the youth of the 1950s, further cementing his status as the King of Rock and Roll.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Just Because”
Well, well, well,
Just because you think you’re so pretty,
And just because your momma thinks you’re hot,
Well, just because you think you’ve got something
That no other girl has got,
You’ve caused me to spend all my money.
You laughed and called me old Santa Claus.
Well, I’m telling you,
Baby, I’m through with you.
Because, well well, just because.Well, well, well,
There’ll come a time when you’ll be lonesome
And there’ll come a time when you’ll be blue.
Well, there’ll come a time when old Santa
He won’t pay your bills for you.You’ve caused me to lose all my women
And now, now you say we are through.
Well, I’m telling you
Baby, I was through with you
A long long time ago.Well, just because you think you’re so pretty
And just because your mama thinks you’re the hottest thing in
town
Well, just because you think you’ve got something
That nobody else has got,
You’ve caused me to spend all of my money.
Honey, you laughed and called me your old Santa Claus.
Well, I’m telling you I’m through with you
Because, well well, just because.