Only You (And You Alone) Lyrics - The Platters

About “Only You (And You Alone)”

“Only You (And You Alone)” by The Platters is a timeless doo-wop ballad released in June 1955. The song is celebrated for its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics, marking it as a defining track of the 1950s.

• Album: The Platters (1957)


• Release Date: June 1955


• Writer: Buck Ram


• Lead Vocals: Tony Williams


• Background Vocals: David Lynch, Paul Robi, and Herb Reed


• Label: Mercury Records

Annotations and Meaning.

[Verse 1]

The first verse emphasizes the unique and profound impact the beloved has on the singer’s world. The lyrics describe how only this person can transform darkness into light and fill the singer's heart with love, highlighting a deep sense of gratitude and admiration.

[Verse 2]

The second verse repeats the sentiment of transformation, indicating that this person has changed the singer in significant ways, making them feel destined to be together. The magic of holding hands symbolizes the powerful connection and the realization of dreams coming true through this love.

The song’s simplicity and repetition underscore the depth of the singer's feelings, making it an enduring classic that resonates with listeners across generations. The Platters’ smooth harmonies and Tony Williams’ emotive lead vocals bring an additional layer of warmth and sincerity to the track.

[Chorus]

The chorus underlines the beloved's exclusive and unique influence on the singer's life. By repeating "only you," the song emphasizes this person's irreplaceability. The lyrics honor the beloved as the only source of joy, change, and enchantment in the singer's world.

[Cultural significance]

"Only You (And You Alone)" has left a lasting impression on popular culture. It was not just a big hit in the 1950s, but it has resurfaced in films, TV series, and video games like "Far Cry 5". The song's sentimental and nostalgic elements make it a popular choice for covers by singers from a variety of genres.

[Performance and Reception] The Platters performed this song live multiple times, including a memorable appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in December 1957. The song received enormously excellent feedback, cementing the band's position as one of the leading doo-wop groups of the era. Its calm, romantic manner and unforgettable melody have cemented its status as a timeless love song.

The Platters' "Only You (And You Alone)" is a classic love ballad, loved for its simplicity, emotional lyrics, and the eternal appeal of its melody and harmonies. The song continues to elicit emotions and connect with listeners, cementing its place as a treasured classic.