Introduction:
Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” is well-known for his contributions to a wide range of music genres, including gospel. Among his lesser-known yet spiritually profound works is the song “Let Us Pray,” which was released in 1969. This track was included in the soundtrack for the movie Change of Habit, the final film of Elvis’s acting career. Elvis played the role of Dr. John Carpenter, a character whose story touched on themes of social justice and faith, reflecting some of the same themes present in the song.
“Let Us Pray” is primarily classified as a gospel song, a genre that Elvis had always been deeply connected to throughout his career, despite his fame in rock and roll. Gospel music was close to Elvis’s heart, as it had been a significant influence on his early musical development growing up in the South. Many of his most celebrated performances featured gospel songs, and he recorded several gospel albums throughout his career, receiving multiple Grammy Awards for his gospel work.
Musically, “Let Us Pray” blends gospel elements with a more modern, 1960s pop sound, showcasing Elvis’s versatility as a singer. The song is built around a hopeful and uplifting message, encouraging listeners to seek solace and strength through prayer, an idea that resonated with both religious and secular audiences. The gospel-inspired arrangements in the song were characteristic of many of Elvis’s later works, where he moved beyond his rock origins to embrace more diverse musical expressions.
The song was written by Ben Weisman and Buddy Kaye, two well-known songwriters who had previously collaborated on several songs for Elvis’s movies. Ben Weisman in particular was a frequent collaborator, having written numerous songs for Elvis over the years. The production of the track was overseen by Felton Jarvis, Elvis’s long-time producer who had worked on many of his albums and soundtracks in the late 1960s and 1970s. Jarvis helped craft the polished yet emotionally resonant sound that characterized Elvis’s later recordings.
Although “Let Us Pray” was not released as a standalone single, its inclusion in Change of Habit and the accompanying soundtrack helped solidify its place in Elvis’s diverse catalog. While it didn’t achieve significant chart success compared to some of his rock hits, it remains a notable example of his ability to convey deep emotional and spiritual messages through music. The song also reflects Elvis’s personal connection to gospel music, which he referred to as a source of personal inspiration throughout his life.
In conclusion, “Let Us Pray” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s lifelong love for gospel music and his unparalleled ability to bring soul and depth to every genre he touched. The song is a meaningful piece within his expansive discography, offering a glimpse into the spiritual side of one of the most iconic figures in music history.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Let Us Pray”
Come praise the Lord for He is good
Mmm come join in love and brotherhood
We’ll hear the word and bring our gifts of bread and wine
And we’ll be blessed beneath the sign
So let us pray together, pray together
Pray with the one mighty voice (heavenly voice)
And let us sing together, sing together
Pray and we’ll rejoice (we’ll rejoice)
When strangers reach out for your hand (for your hand)
Respond to them and understand (heaven obeyed to understand)
We’ll rise as one to calm the storm outside the gate (calm the storm)
With faith in Him we’ll never leave (never leave)
So let us pray together, pray together
Pray with the one mighty voice (heavenly voice)
And let us sing together, sing together
Pray and we’ll rejoice (we’ll rejoice)
(We’ll rejoice)
The love of God is on our side (love is, love is on our side)
We have the strength to move the tide (we’ll move the tide)
The world will say so, there’ll be peace and love for all (love for all)
And we must give our brothers love
So let us pray together, pray together
Pray with the one mighty voice (heavenly voice)
And let us sing together, sing together
Pray and we’ll rejoice (we’ll rejoice)
Love for all, love for all to the Lord
We’ll rejoice love for all to the Lord
We’ll rejoice love for all to the Lord
We’ll rejoice for the Lord