The Everly Brothers’ timeless classic “(Till) I Kissed You” remains one of the most enchanting and enduring love songs of the late 1950s. Written by Don Everly and released as a single in 1959, this song soared to an impressive No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and also captured the hearts of country music fans by reaching No. 8 on the Country chart. The impeccable guitar work of Chet Atkins and the steady rhythms of Jerry Allison on drums fortified the track’s lasting appeal.
Don Everly’s inspiration for this amorous number came from a poignant moment during the Everly Brothers’ tour in Australia. Reflecting on the experience in a 1998 interview, Don revealed,
“I wrote it about a girl I met on that trip. Her name was Lillian, and she was very, very inspirational. I was married, but… you know.”
This admission opens a window into the emotional depth and complexity behind the lyrics.
The song’s lyrics capture the transformative power of a single kiss, a moment that forever changed the narrator’s world. The evocative words declare:
“Never felt like this until I kissed ya, How did I exist until I kissed ya… Never knew what I missed until I kissed ya.”
The repetition of the phrase “I kissed ya, oh yeah” echoes the overwhelming rush of newfound love and desire.
“(Till) I Kissed You” also enjoyed a second life through a notable cover by American country music artist Connie Smith. Featured on her 1976 album, The Song We Fell in Love To, Smith released the song as the album’s second single in January 1976. Her rendition climbed to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and impressively topped the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.
Beyond the music charts, the song’s cultural footprint includes its memorable use in the 1973 movie That’ll Be The Day, starring David Essex as an aspiring rock musician. This appearance helped anchor the song’s status as a classic backdrop to the era’s rock ‘n’ roll narrative.
For those seeking to connect with this iconic tune, a video of the song is available, capturing the spirit and emotion that Don Everly so beautifully conveyed through his unforgettable melody and heartfelt words.
(Till) I Kissed You is more than just a song; it continues to be a poignant reflection of love’s unexpected power and a testament to the Everly Brothers’ profound influence on music history.
