27 Best Songs From 1953

“Crying in the Chapel” by June Valli

Song Year: 1953

The titular chapel of the song was, at least at one point in time, a physical church. The songwriter’s youngest son, Larry Glenn, claims that the song was inspired by a spiritual moment his father had at the Loving Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

A back injury had put Artie Glenn in the hospital, and while in incredible pain, he found himself bargaining with God, promising to devote himself to a life of goodness should the Lord see him through. When released, he went to the nearest chapel and began to weep.

“Why Don't You Believe Me?” by Joni James

Song Year: 1952

This song was written by King Laney, Roy Rodde, and Lew Douglas in 1952. Joni James recorded a cover of it in September of 1952, and it became a chart-topper in 1953.

The song itself is about a lover begging the object of their affection to believe that they are, in fact, the only one for them. The singer offers their heart, claiming that their beloved is the only one it is available to and that it is proffered wholly and without restriction.

“Your Cheatin' Heart” by Hank Williams

Song Year: 1953

While driving with his fiancee from Nashville, Tennessee, to Shreveport, Louisiana, Hank Williams felt inspired to write a song about his first wife's infidelity. The song was the last of his to be documented in his sessions in Nashville. He died in the new year, 1953, the news of which is credited with helping propel the single to great success.

“Limelight (Terry's Theme)” by Frank Chacksfield

Song Year: 1953

The history of the film “Limelight (Terry’s Theme)” originates from is as messy, beautiful, and hopeful as the instrumental track itself. In 1952, Charlie Chaplin produced, directed, and starred in a film based on a novella he wrote.

In this dark comedy, Limelight, Chaplin plays a failed comedian in love with a suicidal dancer, who he saves from taking her own life. Together, they combat health issues as they attempt to rebuild careers in a world that seems determined to move on without them.

The controversy surrounding the film led to massive commercial failure upon the film’s release. The score still wound up charting, with the instrumental version of Terry’s Theme climbing to number 5 on the U.S. charts and number 2 in the UK.

When the film was re-released in 1972, Chaplin won an Academy Award for his work. Limelight film won an Oscar for “Best Original Dramatic Score” in 1973.

“With These Hands” by Eddie Fisher

Song Year: 1953

Written by Benny Davis and Abner Silver, “With These Hands” by Eddie Fisher has a grandiose warmth reminiscent of the best of the era that birthed it. Backed by the elegant Hugo Winterhalter orchestra, the singer swears to provide for his lover regardless of any hurdles or dangers confronting them.

Tom Jones’ cover of “With These Hands” was featured in the film Edward Scissorhands.

“C'est si bon” by Eartha Kitt

Song Year: 1953

This popular French song declares “It is good!” Composed in 1947 by Henri Betti, with lyrics by Andre Hornez, this catchy tune captured ears in the U.K. and U.S.A.

Betti was inspired to compose the piece while walking in Nice, France, to join his father for a game of bridge. When peering into the window of a lingerie shop on a sunny, mild day, he felt filled with sweet joy, followed by a series of notes leaping into his head.

Eartha Kitt recorded the song in French with an orchestra backing her in 1953 for her album That Bad Eartha in her timeless, iconic style.

“Have You Heard?” by Joni James

Song Year: 1952

“Have You Heard?” is a gossip song. The singer asks about a past lover and wonders what’s going on with their new relationship. The original song was written by Frank LaVere, LeRoy Rodde, and Lew Douglas in 1952. Joni James recorded a version of her own in 1952, switching the gender of the lyrics.

The single recorded by James began to chart the following year in 1953, spending fourteen weeks on the Billboard charts.

Top Songs From 1953, Final Thoughts

1953 gave birth to many incredible tracks, from the most heartfelt love songs to tragic ballads to peppy novelty music. Decades later, human emotion still bleeds from these songs even as those who penned the words and sang the lyrics have passed.

Good music is always going to be a subjective term. In their day, these songs were enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. Though many have been lost to time, you can experience them for the first time or take a trip down memory lane by listening to these top songs from 1953.