Love Me

Album: The Complete Elvis (1956)
Charted: 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who also wrote Elvis' breakout hit "Hound Dog." It's written in an over-the-top country style, and although it was a bit of a parody, it came off as quite sincere when Elvis sang it. The song was first recorded in 1954, first by Willy and Ruth and later by Georgia Gibbs.
  • Elvis performed this on The Ed Sullivan Show on October 28, 1956.
  • Robert Plant said in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers Of All Time issue: "When I met Elvis with Zeppelin, after one of his concerts in the early '70s, I sized him up. He wasn't quite as tall as me, but he had a singer's build, and he was driven. At that meeting, Jimmy Page joked with Elvis that we never soundchecked - but if we did, all I wanted to do was sing Elvis songs. Elvis thought that was funny and asked me, 'Which songs do you sing?' I told him I liked the ones with all the moods, like that great country song 'Love Me' - 'Treat me like a fool/Treat me mean and cruel/But love me.' So when we were leaving, after a most illuminating and funny 90 minutes with the guy, I was walking down the corridor. He swung 'round the door frame, looking quite pleased with himself, and started singing that song: 'Treat me like a fool.' I turned around and did Elvis right back at him. We stood there, singing to each other. What he did was he made it possible for me, as a singer, to become otherworldly." >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 5

  • Alvin Bobbe from Los AngelesThe above quote from Robert Plant, "When I met Elvis with Zeppelin, after one of his concerts in the early '70s, I sized him up. He wasn't quite as tall as me, but he had a singer's build, and he was driven.' is unverified and I doubt he ever said it. There aren't any verifiable sources, either printed or on video, of him saying this. Suspect someone made it up. If I'm wrong, please provide a link to an interview or video, fellow Zep Lovers!
  • Barry from Sauquoit, Ny'Treat me like a fool, treat me mean and cruel'...
    On this day in 1956 {December 27th} "Love Me"* by Elvis peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Most Played By Jockeys chart, the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "Singing The Blues" by Guy Mitchell...
    The week "Love Me" peaked at #2, Elvis had another 'Love Me' record on the chart, his "Love Me Tender" was at #6 on the Most Played By Jockeys chart...
    * And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the week "Love Me" peaked at #2 on the Most Played By Jockeys chart, the rest of the Top 10 was:
    At #3. "Hey! Jealous Lover" by Frank Sinatra
    #4. "Moonlight Gambler" by Frankie Laine
    #5. "True Love" by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly
    #6. "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley
    #7. "Banana Boat Song" by The Tarriers
    #8. "Green Door" by Jim Lowe
    #9. "Don't Forbid Me" by Pat Boone
    #10. "Young Love" by Sonny James
  • Jennifur Sun from RamonaThanks Jerry and Mike. Have felt like this more than once.
  • Steve Dotstar from Los Angeles, CaI think Jerry Leiber said this was one of his favorites by Elvis! It was either this one or Don't...but ahh doo bee-lieve it was this tune!
  • Barry from Sauquoit, Ny"Love Me" was one of six records by Elvis that peaked at Number Two on Billbroad {he had a total of 18 that reached Number One!!!}
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne

Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of WayneSongwriter Interviews

The guy who brought us "Stacy's Mom" also wrote the Jane Lynch Emmy song and Stephen Colbert's Christmas songs.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.