The Greatest Oldies Music

Oldies Musics

Rick Nelson – “It’s Up To You” (1962)

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

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SHE WAS A BRIDE AT FIFTEEN, A MOTHER AT SIXTEEN, AND THE FIRST WOMAN NASHVILLE EVER HAD TO CALL “ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR” — THEN SHE NAMED HER BABY AFTER THE BEST FRIEND SHE’D JUST BURIED, AND THAT BABY SPENT A LIFETIME MAKING SURE NEITHER VOICE WAS FORGOTTEN. Loretta Lynn came out of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, with nothing but a coal miner’s last name and a voice that could pin a grown man to his chair. Married before she could drive. Four children by twenty-two. Then she wrote songs that scared Nashville half to death — about cheating husbands, birth control pills, and women who’d had enough. Sixteen number-ones. Presidential Medal of Freedom. The whole world calling her the Coal Miner’s Daughter. In 1963, her best friend Patsy Cline died in a plane crash. The next year, Loretta gave birth to twins. She named one of them Patsy. That little girl grew up backstage, between tour buses and honky-tonks. She formed The Lynns with her twin sister Peggy. Earned CMA nominations. Then she did something quieter and heavier — she stepped behind the glass and co-produced her mother’s final albums alongside Johnny Cash’s son. Loretta died October 4, 2022. That first birthday without her, Patsy woke up reaching for a phone call that wasn’t coming — her mama singing “Happy Birthday,” the way she always had. Does knowing Loretta named her daughter after a ghost she never stopped grieving make “I Fall to Pieces” feel like it belongs to both of them now?

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SHE WAS A BRIDE AT FIFTEEN, A MOTHER AT SIXTEEN, AND THE FIRST WOMAN NASHVILLE EVER HAD TO CALL “ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR” — THEN SHE NAMED HER BABY AFTER THE BEST FRIEND SHE’D JUST BURIED, AND THAT BABY SPENT A LIFETIME MAKING SURE NEITHER VOICE WAS FORGOTTEN. Loretta Lynn came out of Butcher Hollow, Kentucky, with nothing but a coal miner’s last name and a voice that could pin a grown man to his chair. Married before she could drive. Four children by twenty-two. Then she wrote songs that scared Nashville half to death — about cheating husbands, birth control pills, and women who’d had enough. Sixteen number-ones. Presidential Medal of Freedom. The whole world calling her the Coal Miner’s Daughter. In 1963, her best friend Patsy Cline died in a plane crash. The next year, Loretta gave birth to twins. She named one of them Patsy. That little girl grew up backstage, between tour buses and honky-tonks. She formed The Lynns with her twin sister Peggy. Earned CMA nominations. Then she did something quieter and heavier — she stepped behind the glass and co-produced her mother’s final albums alongside Johnny Cash’s son. Loretta died October 4, 2022. That first birthday without her, Patsy woke up reaching for a phone call that wasn’t coming — her mama singing “Happy Birthday,” the way she always had. Does knowing Loretta named her daughter after a ghost she never stopped grieving make “I Fall to Pieces” feel like it belongs to both of them now?

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“YOU MAKE THE COFFEE, I’LL MAKE THE BED.” — GLEN CAMPBELL DIDN’T NEED A LOVE POEM. HE JUST NEEDED AN OKLAHOMA MORNING. In December 1971, Glen Campbell released “Oklahoma Sunday Morning.” It peaked at #15 on the country charts—not his biggest hit by a long shot. But something about this track stuck. It wasn’t about fame or tragedy; it was about coffee, making the bed, and packing a lunch. It was the kind of love that doesn’t make headlines. But the way Glen sang it, you realized he wasn’t just describing a routine. He was singing about the only place that truly felt like home. A kid from a sharecropper’s family of twelve in Delight, Arkansas—who went on to sell 45 million records—poured something deeply personal into this quiet track. Fifty years later, folks across Oklahoma still know every word. Some songs don’t need to reach #1. They just need to be true.