Ricky Nelson – It’s Up To You

About the song

Ricky Nelson’s “It’s Up to You” is a classic pop ballad that captures the essence of early 1960s pop music with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. Released in 1962, the song showcases Nelson’s smooth voice and knack for delivering heartfelt, yet straightforward, love songs. As one of the teen idols of the 1950s and early 1960s, Nelson’s music helped bridge the gap between the rock and roll of the ’50s and the more polished pop sounds that followed.

Ricky Nelson, born Eric Hilliard Nelson, was a prominent American singer, songwriter, and actor. He gained fame as a child star on the popular television show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, where he frequently performed songs that would become hits. With his good looks, smooth voice, and a natural knack for performing, Nelson quickly became a beloved figure in American pop culture. His musical career was marked by a series of successful singles and albums, making him one of the best-selling male artists of his time.

“It’s Up to You” was written by Jerry Fuller, a songwriter and record producer who also penned hits for other artists of the era. The song was released as a single and became a notable hit for Nelson, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also included in his album For Your Sweet Love, which featured a collection of romantic ballads and pop tunes.

Musically, “It’s Up to You” is characterized by its gentle, melodic arrangement, typical of early 1960s pop music. The song features a smooth, mid-tempo rhythm with a prominent guitar line, soft percussion, and lush background vocals that complement Nelson’s lead vocals. The production is clean and polished, providing a perfect backdrop for Nelson’s voice, which is both warm and inviting.

Lyrically, “It’s Up to You” tells the story of a young man who leaves the decision about their relationship in the hands of his partner. The narrator expresses his feelings of love and devotion, but ultimately acknowledges that the future of the relationship depends on the other person’s feelings. The lyrics, “It’s up to you / Because I’ve done everything I can / I hope that you will say that I’m your loving man,” convey a sense of vulnerability and earnestness. The song’s message is universal and timeless, resonating with anyone who has experienced uncertainty in a romantic relationship.

Ricky Nelson’s vocal performance on “It’s Up to You” is one of the song’s strongest elements. His voice, known for its smooth and mellow tone, perfectly conveys the song’s themes of love and uncertainty. Nelson’s delivery is sincere and heartfelt, making the listener feel the emotions he expresses. His ability to connect with the audience through his music was one of the reasons for his enduring popularity as a teen idol and music star.

The success of “It’s Up to You” added to Ricky Nelson’s impressive string of hits during the late 1950s and early 1960s. It exemplifies the style and sound that made him a household name: a blend of rock and roll energy with the polished, approachable sound of pop music. Nelson’s career would continue to evolve, and he later explored different musical styles, including country rock, but “It’s Up to You” remains a classic example of his early work.

In summary, Ricky Nelson’s “It’s Up to You” is a quintessential early 1960s pop ballad that showcases his smooth vocals and the polished production style of the era. The song’s gentle melody and relatable lyrics about love and uncertainty have made it a memorable classic. Nelson’s heartfelt performance and the song’s timeless theme continue to resonate with audiences, cementing its place in the canon of classic pop music.

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Lyrics

“It’s Up To You”