About the Song
“Don’t,” a poignant ballad, graced the airwaves when recorded by the iconic Elvis Presley in 1958. Crafted by the prolific duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, this masterpiece became Presley’s eleventh number-one hit in the United States and secured a notable position at number four on the R&B charts. Billboard, recognizing the song’s timeless appeal, ranked it as the No. 3 song for 1958.
The emotional resonance of “Don’t” is not confined to its chart-topping success; it also found a place in the musical revue Smokey Joe’s Cafe, seamlessly integrated into a medley with “Love Me.” Furthermore, the song took on a cinematic role, playing a crucial part in the key scene of the 1993 film Dave. In this poignant moment, as the President of the United States (portrayed by Kevin Kline) confronts a stroke during an intimate encounter in the White House, the evocative strains of “Don’t” underscore the dramatic intensity of the scene. This clever use of the song adds another layer of significance to its enduring legacy, showcasing its ability to transcend eras and mediums.
Video
Lyrics
Don’t, don’t, that’s what you say
Each time that I hold you this way,
When I feel like this and I want to hold you,
baby, don’t say don’t.
Don’t, don’t leave my embrace
For here in my arms is your place
When the night grows cold and I want to hold you,
baby, don’t say don’t.
If you think that this is just a game
I’m playing
If you think that I don’t mean
ev’ry word I’m saying
Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t,
Don’t feel that way
I’m your love and yours I will stay
This you can believe
I will never leave you
Heave knows I won’t
Baby, don’t say don’t