“Ain’t That A Shame” is a heartbreak song by Fats Domino, which he recorded at Imperial Records in Hollywood, Los Angeles, in March 1955; at the time, he was on tour.
This was his first hit song that hit No.1 on the Billboard R&B Chart and No.10 on the Pop Charts.
Song Facts:
- “Ain’t That A Shame” is in the 1956 debut album Rock and Rollin’ with Fats Domino.
- Fats Domino was a laid-back R&B singer who released a few hit songs. “Ain’t That A Shame” was the first hit song he co-wrote with Dave Bartholomew; it sold platinum in the US.
- Domino was born to a musical family in New Orleans and was the youngest of eight children. His father played the violin while his Brother-in-law played the piano; these two inspired him at a young age and sparked his creativity. In addition, his parents were of French-Creole origin, making French his first language.
- Domino left school at 14 years to do odd jobs like hauling ice and singing in clubs. By 1949, Fats Domino earned $3 a week at the Hideaway Club.
- Pat Boone’s cover of the song was also famous, at No.1 on the US Pop Charts and No.7 on the UK Charts.
- Boone’s cover seems to put more emphasis on the heartbreak in the lyrics, while Fats Domino’s version has a more easy-going and optimistic vibe.
- As a teenager, Tommy Boyce wrote Domino’s “Be My Guest,” which sold more than a million copies worldwide. He patiently waited and presented the demo at the hotel where Fats Domino was residing. Fats Domino liked it and recorded it at Imperial Records.
Lyrics
You made me cry when you said goodbye
Ain’t that a shame
My tears fell like rain
Ain’t that a shame
You’re the one to blame
You broke my heart when you said we’ll part
Ain’t that a shame
My tears fell like rain
Ain’t that a shame
You’re the one to blame
Oh well goodbye
Although I’ll cry
Ain’t that a shame
My tears fell like rain
Ain’t that a shame
You’re the one to blame
(Ain’t that a shame)
You’re the one to blame
You made me cry when you said goodbye
Ain’t that a shame
My tears fell like rain
Ain’t that a shame
You’re the one to blame
Oh well goodbye
Although I’ll cry
Ain’t that a shame
My tears fell like rain
Ain’t that a shame
You’re the one to blame
Ah! Yes!!! I remember it well!! I was a whoppin’ 9 years old!!