About the song
“Talk Back Trembling Lips,” a poignant country ballad first recorded in 1963 by Ernest Ashworth, marked a pivotal moment in his career, soaring to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and becoming his sole No. 1 hit in October of that year. The song’s profound emotional resonance and melodic charm captivated audiences, ensuring its enduring popularity in the country music genre.
Ernest Ashworth’s rendition of “Talk Back Trembling Lips” not only topped the country charts but also made a notable appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 101. The song’s success solidified Ashworth’s place as a respected figure in country music during the early 1960s, showcasing his ability to convey heartfelt storytelling through his distinctive voice and lyrical interpretation.
Shortly after Ashworth’s rendition, Johnny Tillotson recorded a cover version in 1963, which further elevated the song’s profile. Tillotson’s rendition climbed to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1964, marking it as one of his last top-10 singles. His interpretation infused the song with a fresh perspective, appealing to a broader audience beyond the country music sphere and cementing its status as a cross-genre classic.
Over the years, “Talk Back Trembling Lips” has been revisited by various artists, each adding their unique touch while staying true to the song’s emotional core. Australian singer Debbie Stuart offered a pop-oriented version, while country legend George Jones recorded a rendition in 1966, showcasing the song’s versatility and enduring appeal across different musical styles.
In 1990, country singer Becky Hobbs reintroduced “Talk Back Trembling Lips” to a new generation with her cover version, although it didn’t chart as high as previous renditions. Despite this, the song continues to resonate with audiences, its timeless theme of heartache and vulnerability transcending decades and musical trends.
“Talk Back Trembling Lips” remains a cherished piece of country music history, cherished for its evocative storytelling and memorable melodies. Its journey from Ernest Ashworth’s heartfelt original to various reinterpretations by artists like Johnny Tillotson and beyond underscores its enduring legacy in the annals of American music.
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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