Introduction:
Elvis Presley recorded “And the Grass Won’t Pay No Mind,” a song originally written by Neil Diamond, on February 17, 1969, at American Sound Studio in Memphis. This collaboration was part of Presley’s legendary Memphis sessions, during which he recorded a series of tracks that marked a significant artistic resurgence in his career. Diamond, who greatly admired Presley, had initially booked the studio time for himself but generously allowed Presley to use it, leading to this and other notable recordings.
The song, which appeared on the Back in Memphis album, captures an intimate and serene moment between lovers, urging listeners to cherish fleeting moments without concern for the outside world. The lyrics highlight the timelessness of love, emphasizing the insignificance of time when one is truly present. Presley’s performance infuses warmth and depth into Diamond’s reflective lyrics, creating a lasting impression of tranquility and connection. This track stands as a testament to Presley’s ability to bring emotional nuance to a song, making it uniquely his own while honoring Diamond’s composition.
Video:
Lyrics:
“And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind”
Walking barefoot by the stream
Come on to me, your hair’s softly falling
On my face as in a dream
And the time will be our time
And the grass won’t pay no mindSaying nothing, lying where the sun is
Baking down upon our sighs
My lips touch you, with their soft wet kisses
Your hands gentle in reply
And the time will be our time
And the grass won’t pay no mindChild, touch my soul with your cries
And the music will know what we’ve found
I, hear a hundred good-byes
But today I hear only one sound
The moment we’re living is now
Now now now now now now nowYoung birds flying, and a soft wind blowing
Cools the sweat inside my palms
Close my eyes, hear the flowers growing
As you lay sleeping in my arms
And the time will be our time
And the grass won’t pay no mind
No the grass won’t pay no mind