An Urgent Plea for Affection: A Quick Burst of Rock ‘n’ Roll Yearning
There are certain songs, aren’t there, that instantly transport you back to a simpler time? A time of sock hops and soda fountains, of first dates and the utterly serious business of teenage love. Buddy Holly was the troubadour of that era, and his music, especially with his group The Crickets, captured the urgent, beautiful fragility of those feelings. One of those perfect, punchy little numbers is “Think It Over,” a track that, while perhaps overshadowed by his colossal hits, holds a special place in the fabric of early rock and roll.
Released as a 45-rpm single on Brunswick Records in May 1958, “Think It Over” was a solid performer in a year already dominated by Buddy Holly & The Crickets’ sound. It peaked at number 27 on the prestigious Billboard pop singles chart in the US, while also showing strength on the R&B charts, reaching number 9. Across the pond, it was a respectable hit, climbing to number 11 on the UK singles chart. These numbers confirm that even a relatively deep cut from the band had the undeniable pull of their signature sound. The single’s B-side, “Fool’s Paradise,” completed the package, giving listeners a double dose of their innovative rockabilly blend.
The song itself is a quintessential piece of the Buddy Holly catalog, a masterclass in economy and directness, clocking in at just under two minutes. Written by Holly, drummer Jerry Allison, and producer Norman Petty, it embodies the collaborative spirit that defined their work in Clovis, New Mexico. The meaning of the song is beautifully straightforward—it’s a heartfelt, yet slightly anxious, plea from a young man to his sweetheart. He’s heard something unsettling: a suggestion that perhaps their love isn’t serious, that it might be “only fun.” The lyric—”Think it over what you just said / Think it over in your pretty little head”—is direct, honest, and utterly relatable. It’s the sound of romantic uncertainty, wrapped in a deceptively jaunty, upbeat tune.
What makes “Think It Over” endure is its sound. The track is notable for the bright, playful piano accompaniment, reportedly played by Norman Petty’s wife, Vi Petty. This subtle addition adds a layer of pop sophistication to the driving rock-and-roll rhythm that Holly and The Crickets perfected. Holly’s vocals are earnest and slightly nasal, full of the genuine conviction of a young man fighting for his relationship. His iconic hiccuping delivery, a hallmark of his style, is present, injecting the track with a nervous energy that perfectly complements the lyrics’ theme of urgent deliberation. It’s a perfect example of his “minimalistic” approach, as some critics noted, saying more in under two minutes than many artists manage in an entire album.
It’s bittersweet to reflect on these recordings, knowing that Buddy Holly would be gone less than a year after “Think It Over” was released, a tragedy that robbed the world of a true musical visionary. But we can take comfort in the music he left behind—short bursts of pure, influential brilliance like this one. It’s a snapshot of a moment in time, a clear, ringing echo from the formative years of rock and roll that still makes you want to tap your foot and, perhaps, reflect on a decision or two of your own.
Oldies Songs