By decade

1950s songs, explained.

Every song from the 1950s in the archive: what it is about, who wrote it and what it did on the charts, listed by artist. Years come from each song's own page.

Songs explained

Artists

1950s

Decade

All Rock Pop R&B & Soul Hip-Hop Folk & Country Latin & Reggae Electronic

5 songs

Sorted by artist

Elvis Presley Heartbreak HotelDiscover the profound loneliness and cultural significance of Elvis Presley's 'Heartbreak Hotel.' Analyze its lyrics, chart history, and lasting impact. 1956 Elvis Presley Jailhouse RockWhat 'Jailhouse Rock' means: Leiber and Stoller's comic prison dance, the cast of characters in its verses, and the dance sequence Elvis largely choreographed… 1957 James Brown Please, Please, PleaseWhat James Brown's 'Please, Please, Please' means: a song with barely any words, the 1956 Federal single the label owner tried to bury, and the cape routine it… 1956 Jerry Lee Lewis Great Balls of FireWhat 'Great Balls of Fire' means: a Pentecostal image of the Holy Spirit turned into a song about lust — and the taped studio argument in which Jerry Lee Lewis… 1957 Paul Anka DianaUncover the innocent charm and timeless appeal of Paul Anka's 'Diana.' Explore its youthful romance, chart-topping success, and enduring cultural significance. 1957

About this list

Every entry sets out what a song is about and where that reading comes from: writing credits, interviews, the record's own history. Lyrics are quoted only as far as an explanation needs. Missing a song? Suggest it and it goes on the list. Back to all songs.