About the song
“Emotions” is a song written by Ramsey Kearney and Mel Tillis which became a Top Ten hit for Brenda Lee in 1961. This timeless classic showcases Lee’s incredible vocal range and emotional depth, making it a beloved song for generations.
The original version of “Emotions” was a solo composition by Ramsey Kearney. In 1957, Kearney recorded a demo of the song and approached Nashville music publishers, where Mel Tillis was a staff writer. Tillis recognized the song’s potential and even considered having it recorded by Carl Smith, who later released it as a B-side to his hit single “Why, Why.”
In the summer of 1960, Tillis revised the lyrics to Kearney’s original composition and pitched the song to Brenda Lee. Lee recorded “Emotions” in August 1960 at Bradley Film and Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. The session, produced and arranged by Owen Bradley and featuring Floyd Cramer on piano, also yielded Lee’s #1 hit “I Want to Be Wanted.”
Released as a single in December 1960, “Emotions” climbed the charts, peaking at #7 in February 1961. The B-side, “I’m Learning About Love,” also became a Top 40 hit for Lee.
“Emotions” was a major hit not only in the United States but also in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Its enduring popularity led to the release of an album titled “Emotions” in April 1961, featuring both the title track and “I’m Learning About Love.”
Over the years, “Emotions” has been covered by various artists, including Sami Jo Cole, Juice Newton, and Pam Tillis. However, Brenda Lee’s original recording remains the definitive version, capturing the essence of the song with its heartfelt delivery and timeless melody.
Video
Lyrics
Emotions
What are you doing?
Oh, don’t you know
Don’t you know you’ll be my ruin?
You’ve got me crying, crying again
When will you let this heartache end?Emotions
You get me upset
Why make me remember, what I wanna forget?
I’ve been lonely, lonely too long
Emotions, please leave me aloneYou worry my days
Yes, you torture my nights
Never a dream
No, those dreams never turn out rightEmotions
Ah, give me a break
Let me forget that I made a mistake
Oh, can’t you see, what you’re doing to me?
Emotions, please set me freeYou worry my days
Oh, you torture my nights
Never a dream
No, those dreams never turn out rightEmotions
Ah, give me a break
Oh, let me forget that I made a mistake
Oh, can’t you see what you’re doing to me?
Emotions, please set me free