About the song
Few performances in popular music capture the depth of a nation’s soul quite like **Elvis Presley’s** rendition of **An American Trilogy**. This powerful medley, which Elvis made famous in the early 1970s, is more than just a song—it is a sweeping, emotional journey through American history, woven together through three distinct yet deeply connected pieces of music.
At its core, **An American Trilogy** is a fusion of three traditional songs: **Dixie**, a Southern anthem often associated with the Confederate South; **The Battle Hymn of the Republic**, a stirring Union marching song from the Civil War; and **All My Trials**, a Bahamian lullaby adapted into a folk song that became associated with hardship and spiritual endurance. By combining these songs, Elvis presents a musical portrait of a divided yet hopeful America, reflecting both its painful history and its enduring resilience.
When **Elvis Presley** introduced **An American Trilogy** into his live performances, particularly during his legendary Las Vegas shows, he transformed it into something more than just a medley—it became a show-stopping, emotional moment that brought audiences to their feet. The arrangement, conducted by Elvis’s longtime collaborator **Glen D. Hardin**, is dramatic and cinematic, moving from a soft, solemn opening to a thunderous, triumphant conclusion. The sweeping orchestration, combined with Elvis’s rich, powerful voice, gives the song a near-religious intensity, as if he is delivering both a lament and a celebration of the American spirit in one breathtaking performance.
Beyond its musical beauty, the song carries a deep emotional weight. The choice to include both **Dixie** and **The Battle Hymn of the Republic**—songs that represent opposing sides of the Civil War—was bold. By uniting them, Elvis was not making a political statement but rather offering a moment of reflection, unity, and understanding. His delivery is heartfelt and sincere, evoking both nostalgia and reverence.
Though originally recorded by country singer Mickey Newbury, it was **Elvis Presley** who turned **An American Trilogy** into an iconic anthem. His 1972 live recording from the album *Elvis: As Recorded at Madison Square Garden* remains one of the most celebrated versions, and his performances of the song are still regarded as some of the most moving moments of his career.
Even today, **An American Trilogy** remains one of Elvis’s most poignant and memorable performances. It serves as a reminder of his ability to connect with his audience on a profound level, using music to bridge history, culture, and emotion. Whether you view it as a patriotic tribute, a reflection on America’s past, or simply a breathtaking vocal masterpiece, one thing is certain: when **Elvis Presley** sings **An American Trilogy**, you can feel the weight of history in every note.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton
Old things they are not forgotten
Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Oh, I wish I was in Dixie, away, away
In Dixieland I take my stand to live and die in Dixie
‘Cause Dixieland, that’s where I was born
Early Lord one frosty morning
Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
So hush little baby
Don’t you cry
You know your daddy’s bound to die
But all my trials, Lord, will soon be over
Glory, glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
His truth is marching on
