Introduction:
Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of Rock and Roll, wasn’t all about the uptempo, hip-shaking hits. He also had a softer side, crooning ballads that expressed tenderness and vulnerability. Just Because, released in 1956, is a prime example of this.
While not one of his most famous songs, Just Because is a well-recognized part of Presley’s repertoire and a favorite among many fans. It falls within the genre of Rock and Roll Ballad, a style Presley helped pioneer. The song was recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee on January 30, 1954, along with several other tracks that would become staples of his early career. Just Because was produced by Sam Phillips, the owner of Sun Studio and the man who is credited with discovering Elvis. Phillips would go on to play a major role in shaping the early rock and roll sound.
Just Because wasn’t released immediately. In fact, it wouldn’t be heard by the public until 1956, two years after it was recorded. This was because Sun Studio mostly focused on singles at the time, and Just Because wasn’t chosen for an A-side or B-side release initially. However, in 1956, with Presley’s national fame on the rise, RCA Records purchased his contract from Sun Studio. RCA saw the potential for unreleased tracks and decided to include Just Because on Presley’s self-titled debut album, a compilation of his Sun Studio recordings. The album, simply called Elvis Presley, was a massive success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart and staying there for ten weeks. It became the best-selling debut album by a solo artist at the time.
While not a single itself, Just Because gained recognition through its inclusion on this groundbreaking album. It reached number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart and number 15 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart, showcasing Presley’s ability to blend genres and appeal to a wide audience. Just Because remains a beloved song by fans and a testament to Presley’s versatility as a singer.
Video:
Lyrics:
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