The Everly Brothers – (‘Til) I Kissed You: A Timeless Rock & Roll Romance
Released in 1959, “(‘Til) I Kissed You” by The Everly Brothers is a song that perfectly captures the essence of the late 1950s rock and roll and pop sound. Known for their incredible harmonies and the emotional depth they brought to their music, the Everly Brothers delivered yet another iconic hit with this track. A timeless anthem of love and youthful romance, this song continues to captivate listeners with its energy, catchy melody, and emotional sincerity.
A Perfect Blend of Harmonies and Rock
One of the signature features of The Everly Brothers is their harmonious vocals, and “(‘Til) I Kissed You” showcases this strength to perfection. The track features Don and Phil Everly harmonizing in a way that creates a smooth and beautiful sound, making the song both sweet and infectious.
The song itself tells the story of a young person who experiences the life-changing moment of falling in love. The lyrics describe the feeling of joy and excitement that comes from a kiss, and how it transforms everything:
“I kissed you, and I knew / That it was love at first sight…”
The song’s upbeat tempo and the use of rock-and-roll rhythms create a perfect backdrop for this romantic narrative, making it a hit among both teenagers and adults in the late 1950s.
Chart Success and Recognition
Released as a single in 1959, “(‘Til) I Kissed You” quickly became a chart-topping success. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made its way into the hearts of listeners across America and beyond. The song also performed well on the R&B charts and is still widely considered one of the Everly Brothers’ most memorable songs.
The Everly Brothers’ influence in the late 1950s and early 1960s was pivotal in shaping the sound of rock and roll and country pop. Their harmonies and songwriting helped pave the way for future generations of musicians, including The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Beach Boys.
The Everly Brothers’ Influence on Music
Known for their close vocal harmonies, the Everly Brothers were incredibly influential in shaping the sounds of rock, pop, and country music. They were one of the earliest acts to successfully blend rock and roll with elements of country, helping to define the rockabilly sound that was dominating the airwaves in the late 1950s.
Artists like The Beatles and The Beach Boys drew inspiration from the Everly Brothers’ harmonies. In fact, Paul McCartney and John Lennon of The Beatles often cited the Everly Brothers as a major influence on their vocal style and harmonization technique. Their impact can still be heard in modern music, with their melodies and harmonies continuing to inspire musicians today.
A Song for the Ages
One of the reasons why “(‘Til) I Kissed You” has remained so popular through the decades is that it touches on a universal theme—falling in love. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or have heard it hundreds of times, the song evokes that first feeling of romance and excitement. The upbeat rhythm, combined with the infectious harmonies of the Everly Brothers, makes it a timeless classic.
This song continues to be featured in movies, TV shows, and advertisements, keeping its relevance and charm alive. It has found a place in pop culture as one of those unforgettable songs that gets people tapping their feet and humming along, no matter their age.
Final Thoughts
“(‘Til) I Kissed You” by The Everly Brothers remains one of the greatest expressions of youthful love and excitement in rock and roll history. From its unforgettable harmonies to its catchy melody, it’s a song that continues to capture the hearts of music lovers across generations. The Everly Brothers’ contribution to the world of rock, pop, and country music is monumental, and this song stands as one of their best-loved anthems.
Whether you’re revisiting this track from the golden age of rock and roll or hearing it for the first time, “(‘Til) I Kissed You” will forever be remembered as one of the sweetest, most infectious songs of its time.
Lyrics: (‘Til) I Kissed You
Never felt like this until I kissed ya
How did I exist until I kissed ya
Never had you on my mind
Now you’re there all the time
Never knew what I missed ’til I kissed ya
Uh-huh I kissed ya, oh yeah
Things have really changed since I kissed ya, uh-huh
My life’s not the same now that I kissed ya, oh yeahMmm, you got a way about ya
Now I can’t live without ya
Never knew what I missed ’til I kissed ya
Uh-huh, I kissed ya, oh yeahYou don’t realize what you do to me
And I didn’t realize what a kiss could beMmm, you got a way about ya
Now I can’t live without ya
Never knew what I missed ’til I kissed ya
Uh-huh, I kissed ya, oh yeahYou don’t realize what you do to me
And I didn’t realize what a kiss could beMmm, you got a way about ya
Now I can’t live without ya
Never knew what I missed ’til I kissed ya
Uh-huh, I kissed ya, oh yeahI kissed ya, uh-huh
I kissed ya, oh yeah
I kissed ya…
