The Captivating Tale of The Oak Ridge Boys’ Song “I’ll Be True to You”
Delving into the history of The Oak Ridge Boys’ chart-topping hit “I’ll Be True to You,” we uncover a remarkable story that intertwines with a significant event in American history. The song, penned by the talented Alan Rhody, holds a captivating narrative that resonates with listeners to this day.
The stage is set on August 6, 1945, a momentous day when America unleashed the devastating power of the atomic bomb upon Hiroshima, signaling the end of World War II in the Pacific. Coincidentally, this very event propelled a burgeoning community in eastern Tennessee, known as Oak Ridge, into the spotlight. Surprisingly, just a few years prior, Oak Ridge did not even exist. The town emerged from the shadows in 1942 when government-employed construction workers arrived, commencing their top-secret mission known as the “Manhattan Project.” This covert endeavor aimed to perfect the world’s first atomic bomb. Within a mere two years, Oak Ridge’s population skyrocketed to a staggering 75,000 inhabitants. It was only after President Harry S. Truman decided to showcase the bomb’s might to the world that Oak Ridge gained notoriety.
During this period of growth, a gospel act by the name of “The Georgia Clodhoppers,” led by Wally Fowler, seized the opportunity presented by Oak Ridge’s prominence. Rebranding themselves as the “Oak Ridge Quartet,” the group underwent various lineup changes over the years. Eventually, in the 1960s, they solidified their identity as “The Oak Ridge Boys.” However, controversy brewed within the gospel realm due to the quartet’s unconventional appearance. Some members sported long hair, performed in turtleneck shirts, and even included a drummer in their concerts. Such deviations from tradition ruffled feathers, leading the Oak Ridge Boys to gradually shift their focus toward country music.
Initially, this transition proved to be a bumpy road. In their first year as a country act, the Oak Ridge Boys faced a staggering loss of $100,000. It was only through the unwavering support of Johnny Cash, both vocally and financially, that they persevered. Finally, in 1977, they secured a country recording deal with ABC/Dot Records. To ensure success, their producer Ron Chancey accompanied the Oaks on tour, meticulously analyzing the highlights of their captivating stage performances. The objective was to translate their on-stage magic into the recording studio, ultimately resulting in hit records. Chancey gleaned invaluable insights and applied them to the boys’ debut country single, “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” which soared to an impressive #3 on national playlists. Building upon this triumph, their next release, “You’re The One,” climbed to #2. But it was their third release that catapulted them to the pinnacle of success, claiming the coveted top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart: “I’ll Be True To You.”
In a twist of fate, producer Ron Chancey assigned Duane Allen, a member of the Oak Ridge Boys, to sing lead on “I’ll Be True To You.” Initially, Duane was resistant and apprehensive about the song’s potential impact on their burgeoning country music career. The somber storyline, with one of its main characters meeting a tragic end, failed to resonate with Duane. He feared that audiences would shy away from the song’s melancholic tone. However, Ron Chancey staunchly believed in the song’s potential and managed to persuade Duane to give it a chance. As time would reveal, Ron’s conviction proved to be spot on. “I’ll Be True To You” became the Oak Ridge Boys’ first of an impressive seventeen #1 hits over the following eleven years. While sixteen additional singles achieved Top Ten status, they fell short of reaching the summit.
The story behind “I’ll Be True To You” embodies resilience and the power of embracing change. It is a testament to the Oak Ridge Boys’ unwavering determination to forge their path in the music industry, despite facing initial setbacks. Through their evolution from a gospel act to country music icons, they captivated audiences with their signature sound. And it all began with a song that defied expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners for generations to come.
Artist: The Oak Ridge Boys
Released: 1977
Album: Y’all Come Back Saloon
Lyrics
They met upon a blue moon
And they parted on a cloudy day
They were so in love and out of school
But he was goin’ so far, far away
She said: “I’ll be true to you
Even though you don’t want me to
And I’ll be blue for you
Even though you’ve asked me not to”
Well the year’s drifted by them, as we all know they can
He found other women, but she refused other men
But as fate would have it, they met again
She was on a down-hill slide, and he was just slidin’ in
As he looked into her eyes that night, he never realized
The only real love in his life was passin’ by
When he turned and left her there, his words, “Goodbye”
He heard her calling out to him, and as he walked, she cried
“I’ve been true to you
Seems like speakin’ to me is the least that you could do
And I’ve been blue for you
Even though you’ve asked me not to”
She’d been drinkin way too hard one night
She’d been drinkin way too long
Alone and pale in a cheap hotel, she died there in the dawn
Kneelin’ by her grave, oh so late and oh so wrong
He longed to hold her close again, cryin’ on and on
He cried, “I’ll be true to you
After all that I have put you through
And I’ll be blue for you
Though you never even asked me to”