About the song
“Unchained Melody”… the very title evokes a sense of timeless romance and longing, doesn’t it? This beloved ballad, with its soaring melody and heartfelt lyrics, has resonated with generations of listeners, and for good reason. While many artists have lent their voices to this classic, it’s Elvis Presley’s rendition that we’ll focus on today.
Now, Elvis, as we all know, was a force of nature in the music world. The King of Rock and Roll, with his charismatic stage presence and that unmistakable voice, he could captivate an audience like no other. But beyond the hip-swiveling and the rock anthems, there was a depth to Elvis, a sensitivity that he poured into his ballads. And in his later years, particularly, we saw a mature artist delving into songs that spoke of love, loss, and the passage of time.
It’s in this context that Elvis’s performance of “**Unchained Melody**” takes on a special significance. Recorded in 1977, just a few months before his passing, it’s a poignant reminder of his enduring talent and his ability to connect with an audience on an emotional level. Elvis’s version, especially the live versions performed near the end of his life, are known for the raw emotion that Elvis displays. The song itself, originally written for a 1955 prison film, speaks of a love that transcends time and distance, a love that is both powerful and vulnerable. And Elvis, with his rich baritone and his heartfelt delivery, brings those emotions to life in a way that is both moving and unforgettable.
What sets Elvis’s version apart is the sheer intensity of his performance. He’s not just singing the words; he’s living them. You can hear the passion, the longing, the vulnerability in his voice. It’s a performance that comes from the heart, and it’s impossible not to be touched by it.
Many people may not know that “**Unchained Melody**” wasn’t originally an Elvis song. It had been a hit for The Righteous Brothers, among others. But Elvis, in his own unique way, made it his own. He infused it with his own personal style, his own emotional depth, creating a version that is both familiar and refreshingly new. Elvis’s version of “**Unchained Melody**” is a testament to his enduring artistry. It’s a reminder that even in his later years, he was still capable of delivering performances that were both powerful and moving. It’s a song that speaks to the heart, a song that reminds us of the power of love, and a song that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
Time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely rivers cry
Wait for me, wait for me
I’ll be coming home, wait for me
Oh, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
