Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” originally made famous by The Righteous Brothers in 1964, was recorded on August 13, 1970, and released on his live album That’s the Way It Is later that year. Written by the renowned songwriting team Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, and Phil Spector, the song was crafted as a soulful, dramatic ballad that showcased intense emotions surrounding fading love, which Elvis’s powerful vocal interpretation emphasized in his version. While Elvis kept the song’s soulful core intact, his unique phrasing and rich vocal style gave it a new depth that resonated with audiences.
Presley performed the song during his landmark Las Vegas shows in 1970, a period when he was successfully returning to live performances and embracing contemporary hits in his setlists. His adaptation brought a rock-tinged energy to the song, blending his charismatic stage presence with the smooth, orchestrated arrangement popularized by The Righteous Brothers. Elvis’s live performance captured the emotional gravitas of the song, helping it become one of his notable covers from this era and adding to its popularity with a new generation of listeners.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” quickly became a staple in Elvis’s live shows, demonstrating his versatility as a performer who could bring his signature style to any genre. His version remains a beloved recording among fans, illustrating how he could transform and personalize well-known songs, infusing them with the passion that characterized his late career. The recording and his live interpretations are celebrated for both their musical quality and the legacy they left within his expansive discography.
Video:
Lyrics:
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'”
Anymore when I kiss your lips
There’s no tenderness
Like before in you fingertips
You’re trying hard not to show it,
But baby, baby I know itYou’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, oh that lovin’ feelin’
You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, now it’s gone, gone, gone
There’s no tenderness in your eyes
When I reach out for you
Girl, you’re starting to criticize
Every little thing I do
It makes me just feel like crying
‘Cause baby, something beautiful’s dying
You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, oh that lovin’ feelin’
You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, now it’s gone, gone, gone
Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you
If you would only love me like you used to do
We had a love, love, love, love affair every day
Oh don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t take it away
Listen to me, talkin’ to you
Bring back that lovin’ feelin, oh, that lovin’ feelin’
Bring back that lovin’ feelin, now it’s gone, gone, gone
And I can’t go on