Ricky Nelson - IMDb

About the Song

In the realm of popular music, there are songs that fade into obscurity with the passing of time, and then there are those that stand the test of generations, forever etched into the collective musical consciousness. Rick Nelson’s “It’s Up to You” belongs to the latter category, a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for over six decades.

Released in 1962, “It’s Up to You” was the title track of Nelson’s seventh studio album, showcasing the young singer’s enduring popularity and versatility. The song, penned by the prolific songwriting duo of Jerry Fuller and Artie Shaw, perfectly captured the essence of teenage angst and the yearning for independence, themes that resonated deeply with young listeners of the era.

Nelson’s gentle yet earnest vocals intertwine seamlessly with the song’s infectious melody, creating an atmosphere of both vulnerability and determination. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man grappling with the challenges of self-discovery and the weight of personal responsibility, all while seeking guidance and reassurance from a loved one.

“It’s Up to You” is not merely a song about teenage romance; it’s a universal anthem about taking ownership of one’s life and navigating the complexities of personal growth. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners of all ages, offering solace and inspiration to those facing their own personal crossroads.

Nelson’s charismatic performance and the song’s timeless message have ensured its place in the pantheon of pop music history. “It’s Up to You” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, each adding their own interpretation to the song’s enduring melody and poignant lyrics.

The song’s legacy extends beyond its musical impact. It has been featured in countless films and television shows, serving as a nostalgic backdrop for stories of teenage love and self-discovery. “It’s Up to You” has become more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a reminder of a simpler time when love, loss, and the quest for self-identity were the defining themes of adolescence.

In conclusion, Rick Nelson’s “It’s Up to You” stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend generations and touch the hearts of listeners worldwide. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message of love, hope, and the courage to take charge of one’s own destiny. As the years continue to pass, “It’s Up to You” is sure to remain an enduring classic, a reminder of the transformative power of music to inspire and connect us all.The Legendary Ricky Nelson — Ricky Nelson | Last.fm

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Lyrics: It’s Up To You

It’s up to you
Because I’ve done everything I can
I hope that you
Will say that I’m your lovin’ manMake up your mind
And do what you’re gonna do
Well you know how I feel
So I’m leaving it up to youIt’s all so clear
That I would give everything I own
To have you near
Never leave me all aloneI need your love
So, darling, please be fair
Let me know where I stand
And I hope that you say you careWell I’ve laid my cards on the table
And its 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

[Instrumental]

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

You Missed

MINNIE PEARL WALKED ONSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOR 50 YEARS WITH A $1.98 PRICE TAG ON HER HAT — AND THEN ONE NIGHT, SHE JUST COULDN’T ANYMORE. Here’s something most people don’t think about with Minnie Pearl. That price tag hanging off her straw hat? It wasn’t random. Sarah Cannon — that was her real name — created it as a joke about a country girl too proud of her new hat to take the tag off. And audiences loved it so much that it became the most recognizable prop in country music history. For over fifty years, that tag meant Minnie was here, and everything was going to be fun. So imagine what it felt like when she couldn’t put the hat on anymore. In June 1991, Sarah had a massive stroke. She was 79. And just like that, the woman who hadn’t missed an Opry show in decades was gone from the stage. But here’s what gets me. She didn’t die in 1991. She lived another five years after that stroke, mostly out of the public eye, unable to perform, unable to be “Minnie” the way she’d always been. Her husband Henry Cannon took care of her at their Nashville home. Friends visited, but they said it was hard. The woman who made millions of people laugh couldn’t get through a full conversation some days. Roy Acuff, her old friend from the Opry, kept her dressing room exactly the way she left it. Nobody used it. The hat sat there. She passed on March 4, 1996. And what most people remember is the comedy. The “HOW-DEEE” catchphrase. The big goofy grin. What they don’t remember is that Sarah Cannon was also a serious fundraiser for cancer research. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville named their cancer center after her — not after Minnie, after Sarah. She raised millions and rarely talked about it publicly. There’s a story about the very last time Sarah tried to put on the hat at home, months after the stroke, and what her husband said to her in that moment — it’s the kind of detail that makes you see fifty years of comedy completely differently. Roy Acuff kept Minnie Pearl’s dressing room untouched for years after she left — was that loyalty to a friend, or was he holding a door open for someone he knew was never coming back?