The Story Behind the Song

Released in 1959, “(Till) I Kissed You” is a heartfelt love song written by Don Everly and performed by the legendary Everly Brothers. The track climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Country chart, cementing its place in music history. Renowned guitarist Chet Atkins and drummer Jerry Allison contributed to the recording, adding depth to its timeless melody.

Inspiration and Writing
Don Everly penned the song following a romantic encounter during the Everly Brothers’ tour in Australia. In a 1998 interview, he revealed the muse behind the song:

“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.”

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This passionate and transformative experience is beautifully captured in the lyrics, which convey the magic of a life-changing kiss.

Covers and Legacy
“(Till) I Kissed You” was revisited by country artist Connie Smith in 1976 for her album The Song We Fell in Love To. Smith’s rendition reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and topped the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada.

The song’s charm also transcended music, featuring in the 1973 film That’ll Be The Day, a story of an aspiring rock musician played by David Essex.

With its universal theme of love and timeless appeal, “(Till) I Kissed You” remains a cherished classic in both rock and country music.

Lyrics

Never felt like this until I kissed ya
How did I exist until I kissed ya
Never had you on my mind
Now you’re there all the time
Never knew what I missed until I kissed ya, uh-huh
I kissed ya, oh yeah
Things have really changed since I kissed ya, uh-huh
My life’s not the same now that I kissed ya, oh yeah
Mm, ya got a way about ya
Now I can’t live without ya
Never knew what I missed until I kissed ya, uh-huh
I kissed ya, oh yeah
You don’t realize what you do to me
And I didn’t realize what a kiss could be
Mm, ya got a way about ya
Now I can’t live without ya
Never knew what I missed until I kissed ya, uh-huh
I kissed ya, oh yeah
You don’t realize what you do to me
And I didn’t realize what a kiss could be
Mm, ya got a way about ya
Now I can’t live without ya
Never knew what I missed until I kissed ya, uh-huh
I kissed ya, oh yeah
I kissed ya, uh-huh
I kissed ya, oh yeah
I kissed ya, uh-huh

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