About the song
Few performances in American music history manage to capture the emotional complexity of a nation the way ***Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy (1973)*** does. This stirring medley, performed live during the peak of Elvis’s 1970s concert era, brings together three songs deeply embedded in the American psyche: “Dixie,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “All My Trials.” With this medley, Elvis does more than sing—he channels the voices of a divided, wounded, and hopeful America.
Originally arranged by country artist Mickey Newbury, ***An American Trilogy*** was a bold choice for Elvis. By the early 1970s, America was still reeling from the civil rights struggles, the Vietnam War, and an ongoing crisis of national identity. Elvis, a Southern-born icon who had always walked the line between cultural bridges and musical traditions, took this medley and transformed it into something larger than the sum of its parts. When he introduced it in his 1972 concert performances and later in his 1973 “Aloha from Hawaii” special—the first concert broadcast live via satellite—it became more than a song. It became a **statement**.
The way Elvis performs ***An American Trilogy*** is nothing short of theatrical. It begins with the mournful, almost haunting strains of “Dixie,” symbolizing the old South. Then, with a sudden, almost defiant shift, it launches into “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” a soaring anthem of unity and justice. Finally, he closes with the gentle lull of “All My Trials,” a Bahamian lullaby-turned-folk protest song, reminding the listener of the suffering and resilience beneath it all. His vocal range is in full bloom here, moving from soft tenderness to near-operatic crescendo, underscoring the emotional highs and lows of each verse.
What makes ***Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy (1973)*** especially compelling to older and more discerning listeners is how it transcends entertainment. It touches on memory—of war, of loss, of home, of reconciliation. Elvis doesn’t offer easy answers or tidy patriotism. Instead, he presents a layered, emotionally charged reflection on what it means to be American. In many ways, it is a lament and a prayer wrapped into one performance.
For those who grew up during the 1950s and ’60s, Elvis may first be remembered as the rebellious king of rock and roll. But in this mature, majestic performance, he becomes something else entirely: a vessel for a country’s most painful contradictions and enduring hopes. ***An American Trilogy*** remains one of his most profound musical statements.
Video
Lyrics
One, two
One, two, three, four
We’ve got to patch it up baby
Before we fall apart at the seams
We’ve got to patch it up baby
We can’t let time unravel our dreams
Let’s go back and touch the past
One more night is all I ask
Get that feeling, that old feeling, feelin-eelin’
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
Patch it up with a whole lotta love
We got to patch it up baby
Let’s sweep out all the cobwebs in our hearts
We’ve got to patch it up baby
Before indifference pulls us apart
Don’t let a good love die
Let’s give it just one more try
With that feeling, that old feeling, feelin-eelin’
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
Patch it up with a whole lotta love
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
Patch it up with a whole lotta love
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
Patch it up with a whole lotta love
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
Patch it up with a whole lotta love
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
We can patch it up baby
Patch it up with a whole lotta love
With a whole lotta love
