“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
There’s something timeless about songs that capture the bittersweet emotions of young love. Ricky Nelson’s “It’s Up to You” is one of those songs that instantly transports listeners back to the early 1960s, when rock and roll was the soundtrack of teenage dreams and heartaches. This song, with its smooth melody and poignant lyrics, embodies the crossroads of love—when everything feels uncertain, and yet every choice feels monumental.
About The Composition
- Title: It’s Up to You
- Composer: Jerry Fuller
- Premiere Date: December 1962
- Album: Ricky Nelson Sings “For You”
- Genre: Pop/Rock, Teen Pop
Background
“It’s Up to You” was released during a peak period of Ricky Nelson’s career, when he was transitioning from a teenage TV star to a full-fledged pop idol. Written by Jerry Fuller, the song debuted in December 1962 as part of Nelson’s album Ricky Nelson Sings “For You”. The single reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing Nelson’s appeal to a wide audience and solidifying his position as a leading figure in 1960s pop music.
The song’s success can be attributed not only to Nelson’s soft, crooning voice but also to the relatable theme of uncertainty in young love. It resonated deeply with teenagers, who were grappling with the emotional turbulence of relationships, making the song a heartfelt anthem for its time.
Musical Style
“It’s Up to You” is a perfect example of early 1960s pop music. The song follows a gentle, mid-tempo structure, with a melody that is both soothing and nostalgic. The instrumentation is simple yet effective, featuring light guitar strumming, subtle percussion, and a soft orchestral arrangement in the background. Nelson’s vocal delivery is relaxed and sincere, which adds to the tender and vulnerable mood of the song.
This song doesn’t try to dazzle with complexity; instead, it thrives on its emotional simplicity. The slow build-up to the chorus, paired with Nelson’s smooth vocals, makes it an unforgettable tune. It draws listeners in with its earnest plea, and it’s that honesty in delivery that keeps it relevant across generations.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “It’s Up to You” revolve around the uncertainty of a relationship where the protagonist places the fate of love in the hands of the other person. There’s an undercurrent of vulnerability, as Nelson sings, “It’s up to you / Because I’ve done everything I can.” The song captures that fragile moment in a relationship where one has to surrender control, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
These themes of emotional surrender and the struggle to maintain a relationship remain universally relatable, making the song enduring in its appeal. The lyrics also reflect the sense of helplessness that often accompanies young love, a feeling familiar to many of Nelson’s fans at the time.
Performance History
When “It’s Up to You” was released in 1962, it quickly climbed the charts, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Nelson’s performances of the song during television appearances further boosted its popularity. Nelson’s fame as both a singer and actor gave him a significant platform, and his performances of the song, with his calm demeanor and effortless charm, helped cement its place as a classic.
Throughout the years, the song has been performed by various artists, each putting their own spin on the tender ballad. Despite changing trends in music, the song has remained a favorite among fans of classic pop, continuing to evoke nostalgia for a simpler time.
Cultural Impact
“It’s Up to You” may not have reached the same legendary status as some other rock and roll hits of the 1960s, but its influence on the pop ballad genre is undeniable. It encapsulates the emotional vulnerability of young love, a theme that has been revisited countless times in music. The song’s gentle yet earnest plea has resonated in pop culture, making it a staple of its era.
Moreover, Ricky Nelson’s status as a teen idol and heartthrob of the early 1960s helped define what it meant to be a pop star in a time when music was becoming a powerful cultural force. His ability to blend music with his television fame contributed to the rise of multimedia stars—an approach that many modern-day artists follow.
Legacy
Decades later, “It’s Up to You” continues to evoke memories of a simpler era in music. Ricky Nelson’s smooth vocals and Jerry Fuller’s poignant songwriting have ensured that this song remains beloved by fans of classic pop. The song’s enduring charm lies in its simplicity—both in its melody and its message of youthful indecision and heartache.
Though the world of pop music has evolved significantly since the 1960s, songs like “It’s Up to You” remind us of the power of emotion in music. Its message is timeless, resonating with anyone who has ever stood at the crossroads of love, unsure of what the future holds.
Conclusion
Listening to “It’s Up to You” feels like stepping back into a moment of vulnerability and hope, a reminder of those delicate moments in life when the future rests in someone else’s hands. Whether you’re discovering Ricky Nelson’s music for the first time or revisiting it after many years, this song captures the essence of youthful love and heartbreak in a way that still feels fresh. I encourage you to seek out a recording of this track and let yourself be transported by its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics.
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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