About the song
“Talk Back Trembling Lips,” a poignant ballad released in 1963, etched a unique path in country music history. While the song initially belonged to Ernest Ashworth, it became a springboard for both his career and that of fellow singer Johnny Tillotson. Ashworth’s rendition secured his most significant achievement, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in October of that year. The song’s emotional resonance kept it on the chart for a remarkable 35 weeks, a testament to its ability to connect with listeners.
However, “Talk Back Trembling Lips” wasn’t destined to remain solely within the realm of country music. Johnny Tillotson, a popular artist known for his pop-tinged style, released his own cover version in 1963. Tillotson’s rendition proved to be a phenomenal success, propelling the song to a wider audience. It climbed the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at an impressive number seven in early 1964. This marked Tillotson’s final foray into the top 10, solidifying the song’s lasting impact on his career.
The story of “Talk Back Trembling Lips” doesn’t end there. The early 1960s saw the emergence of additional renditions, each offering a distinctive take on the original. Australian singer Debbie Stuart delivered a version with a stronger pop influence, further diversifying the song’s appeal. Meanwhile, Australian country artist Kevin Shegog stayed closer to the song’s country roots with his 1963 cover.
The legacy of “Talk Back Trembling Lips” extended beyond the initial wave of popularity. Country music legend George Jones added his own interpretation in 1966, showcasing the song’s enduring ability to resonate with different voices. Decades later, Becky Hobbs, a country singer, reintroduced the song to a new generation in 1990. While her cover didn’t achieve chart success, it served as a reminder of the song’s timeless appeal. Interestingly, Ernest Ashworth himself even made a guest appearance in Hobbs’ music video, a symbolic passing of the torch and a testament to the song’s enduring charm.
“Talk Back Trembling Lips” stands as a fascinating example of a song that transcended genre boundaries. Ernest Ashworth’s initial success propelled it to the forefront of country music, while Johnny Tillotson’s cover broadened its reach to a wider pop audience. Subsequent renditions by diverse artists further cemented the song’s place in music history. From its initial release to its later revivals, “Talk Back Trembling Lips” continues to captivate listeners with its emotional lyrics and enduring melody.
Video
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