Unveiling the Tale Behind the Melody:
“On my knees”
(Charlie Rich)
Charlie Rich’s Musical Journey (featuring Janie Fricke) – Topping the Charts in 1978
Amidst the backdrop of the music scene in 1978, a song emerged that would not only captivate the hearts of listeners but also mark a significant milestone in the musical journey of Charlie Rich and his collaborator, Janie Fricke. Before delving into the details of this enchanting track, let’s rewind a bit.
Janie Fricke, already having introduced three successful solo albums, found herself on the cusp of recording a song that would leave an indelible mark. But even before this, she had lent her melodious voice to various duets with Johnny Duncan, sometimes without receiving due credit, leaving many intrigued by the “mystery voice” behind those records. Notably, she had also lent her vocal prowess to some of the era’s biggest hits, such as T. G. Sheppard’s “Devil In The Bottle,” Moe Bandy’s “It’s A Cheatin’ Situation,” and Conway Twitty’s “I’d Love To Lay You Down,” among others.
Enter “On My Knees.” This captivating composition was the brainchild of Billy Sherrill and Charlie Rich. For Janie Fricke, it was a pivotal moment as she was beckoned to the studio to add her harmonious touch to the song. The tracks were already laid down, and her role was to infuse the song with her vocals, blending seamlessly with the existing melodies or even taking the lead on specific lines. This was a meticulously crafted overdub session that would infuse life into the song.
“For me, crafting a melody was always the most challenging part of songwriting,” shared Charlie Rich, reflecting on his creative process. He recounted how once he established a melodious framework, the words seemed to flow effortlessly. However, he emphasized that the lyrics needed to resonate with him on a deep level. Unlike a mechanical process, he believed in infusing his compositions with genuine emotions, ensuring that his songs carried his heart and soul.
The fruits of this creative endeavor were sweet. “On My Knees” soared to the zenith of Billboard’s country singles chart on December 9, 1978. This not only marked Charlie Rich’s third chart-topping single as a songwriter but also served as a testament to his musical prowess. The melody that had brewed within him had now taken flight, capturing the hearts of countless listeners.
Around the same time, Charlie Rich ventured into the world of cinema, making his debut on the silver screen alongside Clint Eastwood in “Every Which Way But Loose.” The enchanting notes of “I’ll Wake You Up When I Get Home” found their way to the airwaves, soaring to the #3 spot on the charts and solidifying Charlie Rich’s place in the annals of musical history.
In retrospect, “On My Knees” stands not only as a musical masterpiece but also as a reminder that crafting melodies is an art that springs from the heart, not a mechanical process. Charlie Rich’s journey, intertwined with Janie Fricke’s harmonious contribution, reminds us that the beauty of music lies in its ability to convey genuine emotions and connect souls across time.
Artist: Charlie Rich
Released: 1974
Album: Sun’s Golden Treasures
Lyrics
On my knees, I ask you please
Honey, let me love you
Let me kiss you like I used to
When we meet on the street
I want to love you
I want to kiss you like I used to
Well, you used to be my baby
Hmm, and I don’t mean maybe
I need you to be my baby now
Honey, don’t you hear me calling
Please help me, I’m falling
Can’t we work the whole thing out somehow? Somehow
Every day you’re away
I want to love you
I want to kiss you like I used to
On your knees
You’ve asked me, please
If you can love me
You can kiss me like you used to
Next time we meet on the street
Honey, you can love me
You can kiss me like you used to
Well, you used to be my baby
Hmm, and I don’t mean maybe
I need you to be my baby now
Honey, don’t you hear me calling
Please help me, I’m falling
Can’t we work the whole thing out somehow? Somehow
On my knees, I ask you please
Honey, let me love you
Let me kiss you like I used to
Next time we meet on the street
Honey, you can love me
You can kiss me like you used to
Charlie Rich The Most Beautiful Girl Live
