About The Song
Background
- Songwriters: Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the legendary songwriting duo who crafted numerous hits for Elvis and other rhythm and blues pioneers.
- Parodic Origins: It’s interesting to note that “Love Me” was initially meant as a humorous parody of sentimental country and western ballads.
- First Success: R&B duo Willy & Ruth recorded the first version in 1954.
- Elvis’s Version: Elvis recorded his iconic version on September 1, 1956, and it was released on his second album Elvis in October of the same year. Though not a standalone single (to avoid competing with “Love Me Tender”), it rapidly soared to number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lyrics
Treat me like a fool, Treat me mean and cruel, But love me. Wring my faithful heart, Tear it all apart, But love me.
If you ever go, Darling, I’ll be oh so lonely I’ll be sad and blue, Crying over you, dear only.Just love me, love me, love me
And so on…
Themes
- Desperate Love: The song centers around an all-consuming, obsessive love. The speaker is willing to tolerate humiliation, heartbreak, and emotional abuse for the sake of a connection with their beloved.
- Co-dependency: The lyrics suggest a codependent relationship. The speaker defines themselves solely by their need for the other person’s love, even if it’s harmful.
- Self-Sacrifice: The song emphasizes the idea of complete surrender of self for love. This total surrender, however, has an unhealthy undercurrent.
Video
Lyric
Treat me like a fool,
Treat me mean and cruel,
But love me.Wring my faithful heart,
Tear it all apart,
But love me.If you ever go,
Darling, I’ll be oh so lonely
I’ll be sad and blue,
Crying over you, dear only.I would beg and steal
Just to feel your heart
Beatin’ close to mineWell, if you ever go,
Darling, I’ll be oh so lonely
I’ll be sad and blue,
Crying over you, dear only.I would beg and steal
Just to feel your heart
Beatin’ close to mineWell, if you ever go,
Darling, I’ll be oh so lonely
Beggin’ on my knees,
All I ask is please, please love me
Oh yeah