Pick Up the Pieces
Rick Nelson · For Your Sweet Love [Decca] [1963]
You broke my heart in a million pieces
I haven't been quite the same since then
And we pick up the pieces put them together
And start all over again.
You went away and my whole world crumbled
All of my dreams were just torn apart
And we pick up the pieces put them together
And try to make a brand new start.
What good are my arms they don't hold you
Like they used to hold you tight
What good are my lips
They don't kiss you day and night.
Broke my heart in a million pieces
But it can't be mended just like new
Won't you pick up the pieces put them together
And love me like I love you.
And love me like I love you...
Pick Up the Pieces
Rick Nelson's "Pick Up the Pieces" stands as a defining track from his 1963 album "For Your Sweet Love," capturing the quintessential sound of early rock and roll. Released under Decca Records, the recording showcases Nelson's signature vocal style, blending a smooth baritone with the energetic instrumentation that characterized the genre during its golden era. The song reflects the romantic themes prevalent in mid-1960s pop music, offering a polished production that helped solidify Nelson's status as a leading figure in the transition from rockabilly to mainstream rock. As part of his extensive discography, this track exemplifies the era's focus on catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, contributing to the enduring legacy of his body of work and influencing subsequent generations of artists in the rock and pop spectrum.