About the song
Okay, I’m ready to put on my music aficionado hat and dive deep into Rick Nelson‘s “It’s Up To You.” This song takes me right back and evokes such a specific feeling, doesn’t it? It’s pure, classic pop, with just a touch of that youthful rock and roll energy that defined the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Now, Rick Nelson wasn’t your typical teen idol. Sure, he had the looks and the charm, but he also possessed a genuine musicality that shone through in his work. He wasn’t just a pretty face singing other people’s songs; he was a talented artist with a strong sense of what he wanted to convey. And “It’s Up To You” is a perfect example of that.
Released in 1962, the song captures that wonderful transition period in pop music. You can hear the echoes of the doo-wop era in the harmonies, but there’s a driving beat and a rockabilly-tinged guitar that pushes it forward. It’s youthful and optimistic, yet there’s a hint of melancholy in the lyrics, a sense of longing and uncertainty that resonates with listeners of any age.
What really strikes me about “It’s Up To You” is its simplicity. The melody is instantly memorable, the lyrics are straightforward and relatable, and the arrangement is clean and uncluttered. There’s no need for elaborate production or studio trickery; the song’s strength lies in its raw honesty and emotional directness.
Nelson’s vocals are, as always, impeccable. He delivers the lines with a sincerity and vulnerability that’s quite disarming. You can hear the yearning in his voice, the plea for his love interest to make a decision about their future. It’s a performance that’s both confident and vulnerable, capturing the essence of young love with all its uncertainties and anxieties.
In a way, “It’s Up To You” is a timeless song. It speaks to that universal experience of being young and in love, of facing those moments when you have to make a choice that could change the course of your life. It’s a reminder that love requires courage, a willingness to take a chance and put your heart on the line. And even though the song was written over half a century ago, that message still resonates today.
So, let’s take a step back in time and savor the sweet sounds of Rick Nelson‘s “It’s Up To You.” Let the music transport you to a simpler era, where love was innocent and the future was full of possibilities. And as you listen, remember those moments in your own life when you had to make a choice, to take a leap of faith and trust in the power of love.
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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
Make up your mind
And do what you’re gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I’m leaving it up to you
It’s all so clear
That I would give everything I own
To have you near
Never leave me all alone
I need your love
So, darling, please be fair
Let me know where I stand
And I hope that you say you care
Well I’ve laid my cards on the table
And it’s oh so plain to see
That I’m ready, willing and able
To love you faithfully
It’s up to you
No, it’s not for me to say
You love me too
Oh, but I hope you feel that way
Make up your mind
And do what you’re gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I’m leaving it up to you
Make up your mind
And do what you’re gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I’m leaving it up to you
It’s up to you
Darling, it’s up to you
Baby, it’s up to you
Darling, it’s up to you
Baby, it’s up to you
Darling, it’s up to you
Baby, it’s up to you
