Introduction:
“I Was the One” is a classic ballad recorded by Elvis Presley during his first sessions with RCA Records. Written by Aaron Schroeder, Claude Demetrius, Hal Blair, and Bill Peppers, the song was recorded on January 11, 1956, at RCA’s Nashville studios. This session was part of the same landmark recordings that produced the iconic “Heartbreak Hotel.” It showcased a more reflective side of Elvis compared to his high-energy rock-and-roll hits.
Released as the B-side to “Heartbreak Hotel” on January 27, 1956, “I Was the One” gained notable recognition on its own. The song’s lyrics reflect on love lost, with the narrator recalling teaching his former lover the romantic gestures she now shares with someone else. Elvis’s smooth, emotive vocals paired with the poignant lyrics highlighted his versatility as an artist, capable of delivering heartfelt ballads with the same intensity as his upbeat rock performances.
The song’s arrangement, featuring backing by the Blue Moon Boys (Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums), combines elements of country, pop, and blues. It serves as an early example of the genre-blending sound that defined Elvis’s career and appealed to a broad audience.
“I Was the One” later appeared on compilations like Elvis’ Golden Records and remained a fan favorite, often performed live by Elvis in later years. Its enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt delivery and universal theme of love and loss, cementing its place in the King’s extensive catalog.
Video:
Lyrics:
“I Was The One”
The way that she kisses you now.
And you know the way she touches your cheek,
Well, I taught her how.I was the one who taught her to cry
When she wants you under her spell.
The sight of her tears drives you out of your mind,
I taught her so well.And then one day
I had my love as perfect as could be.
She lived, she loved, she laughed, she cried,
And it was all for me.
I’ll never know who taught her to lie.
Now that it’s over and done,
Who learned the lesson when she broke my heart?
I was the one.
And then one day
I had my love as perfect as could be.
She lived, she loved, she laughed, she cried,
And it was all for me.
I’ll never know who taught her to lie.
Now that it’s over and done,
Who learned the lesson when she broke my heart?
I was the one.