About the song
“Only You (And You Alone),” often simply known as “Only You,” is a timeless pop ballad composed by Buck Ram that has left an indelible mark on music history. Originally recorded by The Platters in 1955, this song has enjoyed a rich legacy and numerous reinterpretations across decades and genres.
The Platters, a vocal group renowned for their smooth harmonies and stylish performances, first attempted to record “Only You” for Federal Records on May 20, 1954. However, this version was not released. It was not until the group signed with Mercury Records that the song saw its true success. Re-recorded on April 26, 1955, the Platters’ version was released in May and quickly became a sensation. The track dominated the U.S. R&B charts for seven weeks and reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the charts for an impressive 30 weeks. This remarkable performance overshadowed a competing cover by The Hilltoppers and cemented the Platters’ place in music history. The song’s popularity was further fueled by its inclusion on the flipside of “The Great Pretender” during the Platters’ European debut.
The success of “Only You” can be attributed to a serendipitous moment during rehearsal, where Tony Williams’ distinctive vocal inflection, which occurred after a car jerked, became a signature element of the track. This version, with Buck Ram playing piano, became a classic and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Beyond The Platters’ original, the song has been covered by a myriad of artists. Franck Pourcel’s instrumental version in 1959 was a significant hit, selling over 5 million copies and reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Ringo Starr also contributed to the song’s legacy with a successful 1974 cover that topped the Easy Listening chart and reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Other notable renditions include those by Brenda Lee, who achieved chart success in Belgium, and Reba McEntire, whose 1981 cover hit number 13 on the U.S. Country charts.
“Only You” has permeated popular culture, featuring in films such as “American Graffiti” and video games like “Far Cry 5,” and has been parodied in various media. Its enduring appeal is reflected in its diverse interpretations, from John Lennon’s demo to the Statler Brothers’ country version, highlighting the song’s versatility and timeless charm. The Platters’ original recording, with its heartfelt delivery and lush harmonies, remains a definitive example of the doo-wop era and continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
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Lyrics
Only you can make all this world seem right
Only you can make the darkness bright
Only you and you alone can thrill me like you do
And fill my heart with love for only you
Oh, only you can do make all this change in me
For it’s true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand I understand the magic that you do
You’re my dream come true, my one and only you
Oh oh, only you can do make this change in me
For it’s true, you are my destiny
When you hold my hand I understand the magic that you do
You’re my dream come true, my one and only you