About the song
**Elvis Presley – I’m Leavin’** is one of those hidden gems in the King’s vast catalog that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Released in 1971 as a single, this melancholic yet beautiful song showcases a side of Elvis that many casual fans might not be as familiar with—a deeply expressive, introspective artist whose voice could convey heartbreak and longing like few others.
By the early ’70s, **Elvis Presley** had already cemented his status as a rock ‘n’ roll legend, but his music was evolving. He was leaning more into folk, country, and pop influences, and **”I’m Leavin'”** is a perfect example of that shift. The song, written by Michael Jarrett and Sonny Charles, is filled with raw emotion, carried by a delicate yet haunting melody. The arrangement is gentle, with soft acoustic guitar strums and subtle orchestration that allow Elvis’s voice to take center stage. He sings with a tender vulnerability, capturing the ache of a man who knows a relationship is slipping through his fingers but feels powerless to stop it.
What makes **”I’m Leavin'”** so compelling is the way it blends folk-pop elements with Elvis’s signature vocal depth. The lyrics speak of the loneliness and uncertainty that come with love lost, a theme that resonated deeply with Elvis at this stage in his life. His voice is rich with pain, particularly in the chorus, where the repetition of the phrase “I’m leaving” feels almost like an admission of defeat. Unlike the commanding presence he exuded in his rock ‘n’ roll days, here, Elvis sounds fragile—human.
Though it didn’t become a massive hit upon its release, **”I’m Leavin'”** has gained appreciation over the years, particularly among fans who admire Elvis’s later work. It’s a song that proves his ability to transcend genres, to step beyond the rock and roll persona, and to tap into something deeply personal. If you’re looking for a track that captures the soulful, reflective side of **Elvis Presley**, this is one you shouldn’t overlook.
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Lyrics
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If I’d arrived in time to know you
If you had taken the time to show me
I wouldn’t be lonelyWhere will I go?
Who will I have to lie beside me
To ease this emptiness inside me?
I’m so lonelyTried so hard each time, each time I just can’t make it
Feelin’ fast vibrations, and I just can’t take it
Living from day to day, chasing a dream
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