About the song
Alright, let’s delve into the heart of **Elvis Presley’s** “Susan When She Tried.” This isn’t just another track in his vast catalog; it’s a window into the King’s ability to convey profound human emotion with a sincerity that resonates deeply.
“Susan When She Tried,” featured on the 1975 album “Today,” stands as a testament to **Elvis Presley’s** capacity for nuanced vocal performance. In an era where his stage persona was often larger than life, this song revealed a gentler, more introspective side. Penned by Don Reid of the Statler Brothers, the song paints a portrait of a woman facing life’s hardships, and **Elvis** delivers it with a palpable sense of empathy.
What makes this track particularly compelling is the understated elegance of its arrangement. The instrumentation, primarily consisting of soft piano and subtle orchestral backing, allows **Elvis’s** voice to take center stage. He doesn’t just sing the lyrics; he inhabits them, conveying the character’s struggles with a depth that speaks to the listener’s own experiences. For those of us who have lived through the complexities of life, “Susan When She Tried” offers a moment of quiet reflection and understanding.
The song’s thematic focus on resilience and the human spirit’s capacity to endure is timeless. In a world that often celebrates outward success, **Elvis** draws our attention to the quiet strength of those who persevere through adversity. This message, delivered with his signature vocal warmth, is what elevates “Susan When She Tried” beyond a mere ballad.
Furthermore, it is important to place this song within its context. The 1970’s where a interesting time in Elvis’s career. He was experimenting with his sound, and showing that he was able to create wonderful music outside of the Rock and Roll genre. This song is a great example of this, and shows how he was able to sing country music with just as much passion as any other genre.
In essence, “Susan When She Tried” is a reminder of **Elvis Presley’s** enduring artistry. It’s a song that speaks to the heart, offering solace and understanding to those who have faced their own trials. It’s a piece that invites us to listen closely, to feel deeply, and to appreciate the timeless power of a truly great vocalist.
Video
Lyrics
I got over Charlotte Thompson, Goldie Johnson
Lord, they done me wrong
I took it hard with Peggy Harper
She hurt me bad, Lord but not for long
There’s just one I remember
Makes me feel funny down inside
I’d trade ’em all for just an hour
Of Susan when she tried
No, there’s never been a woman
Who could make me weak inside
And give me what I needed
Like Susan when she tried
It gets worse in the summer
When the nights are hot and long
And it’s bad in December
When they play those Christmas songs
So if you ask me and I don’t tell you
Bet your sweet, bottom dollar I lied
‘Cause there’s never been one better
Than Susan when she tried
No, there’s never been a woman
Who could make me weak inside
And give me what I needed
Like Susan when she tried
Hey, no there’s never been a woman
Who could make me weak inside
And give me what I needed
