About the song
**Unchained Melody** is one of those rare songs that seems to exist outside of time—its haunting melody and longing lyrics have touched generations. While the most famous rendition is by The Righteous Brothers, **Elvis Presley** brought his own magic to the song, transforming it into something deeply personal and profoundly moving.
Originally written in 1955 by Alex North and Hy Zaret, **Unchained Melody** was intended for the little-known prison film *Unchained*. But its destiny was far greater. Over the years, the song became a staple of romance, a hymn to yearning, and a showcase for vocalists with the ability to pour raw emotion into its soaring notes.
When **Elvis Presley** performed **Unchained Melody**, particularly in the later years of his career, it took on an almost spiritual quality. One of the most unforgettable performances came in 1977, just months before his passing. Seated at the piano, visibly weary but still possessing that unmistakable presence, Elvis delivered a rendition that was both powerful and heartbreakingly fragile. His voice, rich with experience, carried the weight of a man who had known both immense glory and deep personal struggles. There was no elaborate orchestration to hide behind—just his voice, the keys beneath his fingers, and the emotion that poured from him with every note.
What makes **Elvis Presley**’s version so captivating is not just his vocal strength but his vulnerability. Unlike more polished studio recordings, his live performance of **Unchained Melody** feels raw and unfiltered, almost as if he is reaching for something beyond the music itself. It’s a song about longing, and in his hands, that longing becomes deeply personal.
For many, this version of **Unchained Melody** is a farewell of sorts—one last glimpse of a legend pouring his soul into music. But beyond that, it is a reminder of the power of a great song to capture something universal: love, loss, and the eternal desire to hold on to something just out of reach.
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
