About the song
“Easier Said Than Done” is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Released in 1963, this iconic song by The Essex topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, becoming a number-one hit in the United States. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and the unique blend of pop and rhythm and blues that defined the era.
Written by William Linton and Larry Huff, “Easier Said Than Done” was born out of a request from Essex member Walter Vickers. Linton, who was an active-duty member of the United States Marine Corps at the time, drew inspiration from the sound of Teletype machines in the communications office at Camp Lejeune. The song’s rhythm is a testament to Linton’s creativity and ability to find inspiration in the most unexpected places.
Despite initial reservations from the group, “Easier Said Than Done” quickly emerged as the more popular side of their debut single, “Are You Going My Way”. The song’s success was swift and widespread, reaching #1 on both the pop and rhythm and blues charts. The song’s popularity was not limited to the charts, as it also became the title track of The Essex’s first album, which reached #113 on the Billboard album chart.
“Easier Said Than Done” is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and genre. Its enduring appeal is a reflection of the song’s timeless melody, memorable lyrics, and the unique blend of pop and rhythm and blues that defined the era. As a cultural artifact, “Easier Said Than Done” is a significant part of American musical history, and its influence can still be felt today.
Video
Lyrics
My friends all tell me
Go to him, run to him
Say sweet lovely things to him
And tell him, he’s the one
Deep in my heart I know it
But it’s so hard to show it
‘Cause it’s easier, easier said than done
My buddies tell me
Fly to him, sigh to him
Tell him I would die for him
And tell him, he’s the one
Although he gives me a feeling
That sets my heart a-reeling
Yet it’s easier, easier said than done
Well, I know (I know) that I love him so
But I’m afraid that he’ll never know
Because I (I-I) I get so timid and shy
Each time that I look him in the eye
They all tell me
Sing to him, swing with him
And just do anything for him
And tell him, he’s the one
I got a love so true
And yet I’m sad and blue
‘Cause it’s easier, easier said than done
Well, I know (I know) that I love him so
But I’m afraid that he’ll never know
Because I (I-I) I get so timid and shy
Each time that I look him in the eye
They all tell me
Sing to him, swing with him
And just do anything for him
And tell him, he’s the one
I got a love so true
And yet I’m sad and blue
‘Cause it’s easier, easier said than done
Easier-er-er-er, said than done