Unveiling the Tale Behind Jerry Lee Lewis’s Hit Song “To Make Love Sweeter For You”
In the world of music, Jerry Lee Lewis found his refuge within the realms of country after enduring a rollercoaster ride in the early years of rock and roll. It was a swift twenty months after the legendary Elvis Presley’s departure from Sun Records to claim his throne at RCA, that Jerry Lee Lewis made his mark on the Billboard charts. His entry was marked by the unforgettable “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” on June 12, 1957, a track that would shape his musical destiny.
Surprisingly, while Jerry Lee’s piano prowess was revolutionary in the world of rock, his early works found a more welcoming home on Billboard’s country chart rather than the Hot 100. “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” soared to #3 on the pop chart, followed closely by “Great Balls Of Fire” at #2. These songs were a far cry from traditional country tunes, yet they claimed the coveted #1 spot on Billboard’s country chart, each reigning for two weeks. Lewis continued his country conquest in ’58 with two more Top Ten hits: “Breathless” and “High School Confidential.”
However, the meteoric rise of “The Killer” came crashing down when his marriage to his 13-year-old second cousin, Myra Gail Brown, was exposed to the public. This shocking revelation disgraced him in the music world and his popularity plummeted overnight. It’s a sad testament to the changing moral landscape that, in today’s 21st century, such an act might have propelled him to even greater stardom.
In those bygone days, public figures were held to a higher moral standard, and Lewis faced the consequences of his actions with canceled concerts and scathing editorials. It took him a grueling eight years to weather the storm of controversy and secure a new recording contract. Eventually, he found a home with the Smash label, a branch of Mercury Records, where he resolved to cater specifically to the country market. In 1968, he scored his first country hit for his new label with “Another Place, Another Time,” peaking at #4. He followed it up with two more Glenn Sutton compositions, “What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made A Loser Out Of Me)” and “She Still Comes Around,” both securing the #2 spot. Finally, “To Make Love Sweeter For You” catapulted Jerry Lee Lewis back to the top, an impressive comeback eleven years in the making.
The creator of “To Make Love Sweeter For You,” Glenn Sutton, believed in the song’s lyrical brilliance but was less convinced about its melody. His concerns were confirmed when he sought the opinion of Mercury staff producer Jerry Kennedy. Kennedy shared Sutton’s reservations about the melody, offering to revamp it. Sutton eagerly gave the green light, allowing Jerry to craft an entirely new melody. “To Make Love Sweeter For You” marked a rare occasion where Kennedy stepped beyond his production role to contribute as a writer. The result was a masterpiece that landed at the pinnacle of Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart on March 1, 1969.
In the grand tapestry of Jerry Lee Lewis’s career, “To Make Love Sweeter For You” stands as a testament to resilience, musical reinvention, and the enduring power of talent. It’s a story that reminds us that even in the face of adversity, true artists find a way to make their love for music sweeter than ever.
Artist: Jerry Lee Lewis
Released: 1969
Album: She Still Comes Around
Lyrics
Well, I’d like to send an orchid
At the start of every day
For flowers show more beauty
Than words could ever say
You’ve done so much for my world
‘Til all I want to do
Is try my best in every way
To make love sweeter for you
A thousand special compliments I’d pay to you each day
Your ears would never tire of all the sweet things I would say
You never would be lonely, honey, you never would be blue
‘Cause my one aim in life would be
To make love sweeter for you
You given me
The faith that took to make my dreams come true
That’s why I want to live and breathe my every breath for you
You’ve cleared the windows of my life
And now that I see through
I’ll do my best in every way
To make love sweeter for you
I’ll do my best in every way
To make love sweeter for you
