About the song
There are few musical moments in the American songbook as sweeping and emotionally charged as **Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy**. This powerful medley stands as one of the most stirring examples of **Presley’s** ability to blend heritage, drama, and showmanship into something uniquely resonant. Released in 1972 and often performed live during the latter part of his career, this piece reveals not only his vocal range, but also his deep emotional connection to the troubled history and ideals of his homeland.
**An American Trilogy** is a medley of three 19th-century songs: **“Dixie,”** associated with the American South; **“The Battle Hymn of the Republic,”** tied to the Union and the abolitionist cause; and **“All My Trials,”** a Bahamian lullaby that became a staple in the American folk revival. In combining these distinct songs, **Presley** created more than just a patriotic number—he crafted a reflective and, at times, conflicted musical narrative about America’s past. The transitions between the songs are executed with theatrical precision, moving from mournful to triumphant, with **Elvis’** voice rising to moments of almost operatic grandeur.
What makes **Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy** especially significant is how it captures the complex dualities of American identity—north and south, pain and glory, struggle and hope. Performed during a period when the country was still reeling from the Vietnam War and civil rights unrest, the medley struck a chord with audiences who saw in **Elvis** a symbol of both tradition and transformation. He didn’t just sing the songs; he embodied the contradictions they contained.
In his live performances, particularly those recorded in Hawaii and Las Vegas, **Presley** treated **An American Trilogy** as a centerpiece—a moment to pause, reflect, and connect with his audience on a deeper level. The arrangement, complete with full orchestration and gospel choir backing, elevates the song into something almost liturgical. It becomes not just a performance, but a kind of national prayer.
For listeners today, **Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy** remains a haunting, majestic piece—a reminder of how music can both honor and question history. It is a work of theatrical patriotism, yes, but also of profound emotional resonance. Through it, **Elvis** didn’t just remind us of where we’ve been—he asked us to consider where we’re going.
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
