About the song
“Talk Back Trembling Lips,” a haunting ballad released in 1963, marked a significant milestone in the career of the British singer-songwriter Ernest Ashworth. This poignant song, characterized by its melancholic melody and Ashworth’s emotive vocals, became his most celebrated work and his only number one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
The song’s lyrics explore themes of heartbreak, longing, and the enduring power of love. Ashworth’s delivery is both vulnerable and resolute, capturing the raw emotion behind the song’s message. The title itself evokes imagery of a person struggling to express their feelings, their lips trembling with the weight of unspoken words.
The success of “Talk Back Trembling Lips” extended beyond Ashworth’s own recording. American country music singer Johnny Tillotson released a cover version in 1963 that also achieved considerable chart success, peaking in early 1964. Tillotson’s interpretation offered a slightly different perspective on the song, showcasing his own vocal style and adding to its enduring appeal.
The enduring popularity of “Talk Back Trembling Lips” can be attributed to its timeless themes and the emotional resonance it evokes in listeners. The song’s impact is evident in its enduring legacy, with subsequent covers and references in popular culture ensuring its place in the annals of country music history.
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Lyrics
Talk back trembling lips
Shaky legs don’t just stand there
Don’t let her know that she’s getting through to to you
Talk back trembling lips
Burning eyes don’t start crying
Heart don’t let her know that your breaking in two
Every day our love’s a battle royal
Dear it seems that fighting is all we do
But if i let you know how much I love you
You’ll do things to me you shouldn’t do
So talk back trembling lips
Shaky legs don’t just stand there
Don’t let her know that she’s getting through to to you
Talk back trembling lips
Burning eyes don’t start crying
Heart don’t let her know that your breaking in two
Every time you up and hurt my feelings
I pretend it couldn’t matter less
I’m just hiding all of my emotions
Behind my broken heart I guess
So talk back trembling lips
Shaky legs don’t just stand there
Don’t let her know that she’s getting through to to you
Talk back trembling lips
Burning eyes don’t start crying
Heart don’t let her know that your breaking in two
Heart don’t let her know that your breaking in two