About the song
“An American Trilogy” is a powerful and emotional song performed by the legendary Elvis Presley. Released in 1972 as part of his *”Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite”* concert, the song represents a stunning blend of history, culture, and musical genius. It’s not just a song, but a journey through the heart of America’s past, touching on themes of freedom, struggle, and pride, which resonate deeply with listeners, especially those who have lived through significant periods of change in American history.
The track is a medley of three American songs, each symbolizing a different part of the nation’s spirit. The first, “Dixie,” evokes the Southern roots of the United States, a song traditionally associated with the Confederacy and the South. Its stirring melody and rich history conjure up the cultural and emotional connection that many Southern Americans feel toward their heritage. Elvis’s rendition adds a layer of reverence and nostalgia that brings the song to life in a profound way.
The second part of the trilogy, “All My Trials,” is a folk song that speaks to the struggles and hardships faced by individuals throughout American history, particularly African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. The gentle, somber tone of this piece reflects the pain and yearning for peace and justice that defined many pivotal moments in the country’s past.
The final segment, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” is an anthem of triumph and patriotism. This powerful song, with its strong ties to the Civil War and American unity, brings a sense of pride and hope for a better future, despite the hardships of the past. Elvis’s deep, resonant voice imbues this piece with both power and grace, capturing the raw emotion that this anthem conveys.
Elvis Presley’s “An American Trilogy” is more than just a performance; it’s a musical exploration of America’s history, struggles, and aspirations. His interpretation of these songs was deeply moving and provided a platform for reflection on what it means to be American. For older generations who lived through the era of change in the United States, the song carries a powerful nostalgia, connecting the past with the present in a timeless and meaningful way.
Through this performance, Elvis demonstrated his unmatched ability to blend different musical genres, from gospel to folk to patriotic anthems, into something uniquely his own. His voice, rich with emotion and experience, carries the weight of history and the soul of the nation. “An American Trilogy” remains one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic and beloved performances, a timeless tribute to America and the American spirit.
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
