The Everly Brothers – Problems

Introduction and Short Summary of the Song

“Problems” is one of The Everly Brothers’ late-1950s singles, released in 1958 at the peak of their popularity. Written by their trusted collaborators Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, the song reflects both the playful and slightly sardonic side of teenage life. It captures the idea that, no matter what someone faces in life, love—or the lack of it—remains the biggest “problem.” With its lighthearted lyrics, catchy melody, and signature Everly harmonies, the track became another memorable entry in their catalog, showcasing their ability to combine humor and relatability with musical sophistication.

Origins of the Song

Felice and Boudleaux Bryant were central figures in The Everly Brothers’ career. They wrote many of the duo’s most enduring hits, including “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream.” “Problems” continued this fruitful collaboration, adding another quirky but heartfelt story-song to the Everlys’ repertoire.

Released in the fall of 1958, “Problems” arrived during an incredibly successful period for the Everlys. They had become national stars and international idols, admired for their Appalachian-rooted harmonies and clean, youthful image. At this point, nearly every release from them was eagerly anticipated, and “Problems” was designed to keep their momentum going while offering something fun and clever.

Why The Everly Brothers Released “Problems”

The Everly Brothers released “Problems” to showcase their ability to balance humor with sincerity. While many of their earlier hits dealt with the pain of heartbreak or the thrill of love, “Problems” addressed the theme of life’s everyday frustrations in a witty, upbeat way. It fit perfectly into the teenage market of the 1950s, where music often expressed youthful anxieties but in light, relatable terms.

The song also highlighted their knack for delivering material with universal appeal. Everyone faces “problems” in life, but the Everlys’ version made those problems sound less overwhelming and even a little amusing, offering audiences comfort and a smile.

The Message Conveyed in the Song

The message of “Problems” revolves around the inevitability of challenges in life, with a particular focus on romantic woes.

Key themes include:

• Universality of Struggles: Everyone has problems, no matter who they are.

• Romantic Troubles: For young people, love often feels like the most pressing issue, and the song reflects this truth with humor.

• Optimism Through Humor: Rather than dwelling on sadness, the lyrics encourage listeners to laugh at life’s difficulties.

• Teenage Perspective: The song reflects the mindset of youth, where love feels like the most important—and sometimes most frustrating—aspect of life.

The blend of humor and relatability made the track resonate strongly with young listeners at the time.

The Recording and Musical Characteristics

The recording of “Problems” highlights the Everlys’ trademark sound while adding a playful musical touch.

• Vocals: Don and Phil deliver tight harmonies that blend sincerity with humor. Their phrasing emphasizes the song’s playful irony.

• Instrumentation: The arrangement features jangly guitars, steady bass, and light percussion, creating a catchy, toe-tapping rhythm.

• Mood: Upbeat, humorous, and lighthearted, even while addressing “problems.”

• Style: A fusion of rockabilly and pop with strong country overtones, typical of the Everly Brothers’ late-1950s sound.

The simplicity of the arrangement ensures the lyrics remain front and center, allowing the humor to shine through.

Cultural and Commercial Impact

Commercially, “Problems” was a solid success, though not one of their biggest hits. It reached the Billboard Hot 100, proving the Everly Brothers’ consistent ability to produce chart-worthy singles. Its moderate chart performance, however, was partly due to the stiff competition of the era, as rock and roll was producing an overwhelming number of hits from artists like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry.

Culturally, “Problems” reinforced the Everlys’ image as relatable voices for teenagers. While other rock and roll acts often leaned into rebellion, the Everlys presented a cleaner, more wholesome version of youthful struggles. This approach made them especially popular with mainstream audiences and parents, while still resonating with teens who recognized their own lives in the lyrics.

Legacy of “Problems”

Today, “Problems” is remembered as a charming example of the Everly Brothers’ lighter side. While it may not be as iconic as “Cathy’s Clown” or “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” it represents their ability to diversify their material and keep their sound fresh.

For their legacy, the song underscores the duo’s mastery of harmony and storytelling, even in playful or humorous contexts. It illustrates how they were able to capture the universal teenage experience in a way that was both entertaining and enduring.

More broadly, “Problems” highlights the strength of their collaboration with the Bryants. The songwriting duo and the Everlys together consistently produced material that balanced depth, charm, and mass appeal.

Decades later, “Problems” continues to charm listeners as a reminder of a time when rock and roll could be fun, innocent, and relatable. It may not have reached the legendary heights of their most famous songs, but it remains a delightful part of their catalog, proof that the Everly Brothers could make even life’s challenges sound harmonious.

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