About the song
Few performances in music history capture the soul of a nation quite like **Elvis Presley’s** 1973 rendition of **”An American Trilogy.”** This stirring medley, performed during his legendary *Aloha from Hawaii* concert, is more than just a song—it’s a sweeping journey through American history, blending deep emotions with the grandeur of Presley’s unmistakable voice.
Originally arranged by country artist Mickey Newbury, **”An American Trilogy”** stitches together three distinct songs from different periods of American history: *”Dixie,”* a Southern anthem from the 19th century; *”The Battle Hymn of the Republic,”* a powerful Union Army song from the Civil War; and *”All My Trials,”* a spiritual of Caribbean origin associated with hardship and hope. Through these contrasting yet connected melodies, the song evokes a deep sense of nostalgia, unity, and longing—something that resonated deeply with Presley’s audience at the time and continues to do so today.
By 1973, **Elvis Presley** was no longer just a rock-and-roll pioneer; he had evolved into a full-fledged showman, capable of delivering larger-than-life performances. His **”Aloha from Hawaii”** concert, the first-ever satellite broadcast of a full-length live performance, reached an estimated 1.5 billion viewers worldwide. Among the many highlights of that night, his rendition of **”An American Trilogy”** stood out as one of the most powerful moments. Clad in his signature white jumpsuit, eyes closed in intensity, he poured every ounce of his vocal strength into the song, shifting effortlessly from the somber opening of *”Dixie”* to the triumphant crescendo of *”The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”*
What makes **this performance so unforgettable** is not just Presley’s extraordinary vocal delivery, but the way he embodied the song’s complex emotional landscape. He wasn’t merely singing about America—he was channeling its pain, its pride, and its hope. As the orchestra swelled and the choir backed him with angelic harmonies, the audience could feel the weight of history pressing down on every note.
Even today, **Elvis Presley’s** **1973** performance of **”An American Trilogy”** remains one of his most defining moments. It is a testament to his ability to transform a simple medley into a grand statement, proving that music has the power to unite, to heal, and to remind us of where we’ve been.
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
