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Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “Because of Love”. Released in 1962, this little gem nestled itself amongst the sun-soaked tracks of the soundtrack album Girls! Girls! Girls!. Now, by 1962, Elvis was already a bona fide rock and roll king, but this era marked a shift in his musical landscape. The electrifying rebellion of the 50s had softened into a more commercially viable sound, perfectly suited for the beach party films that dominated Hollywood at the time.

“Because of Love” embodies this transition beautifully. While it retains a hint of that signature Presley swagger, the overall feel is undeniably breezy and light. We can thank songwriting duo Ruth Batchelor and Bob Roberts for crafting this delightful confection. It’s interesting to note that unlike many of Elvis’ movie soundtracks, Girls! Girls! Girls! wasn’t overseen by his longtime producer, Colonel Tom Parker. Instead, the reins were handed to Hal B. Wallis, a Hollywood veteran known for his work on classic films like Casablanca. This shift might explain the album’s slightly different sonic palette, with “Because of Love” standing out as a particularly polished example.

The song itself is a declaration of unwavering devotion. The lyrics, though simple, paint a picture of a love so strong it can conquer any obstacle. Elvis delivers the vocals with his usual charisma, his voice a smooth blend of power and tenderness. The Jordanaires, his ever-present backing vocal group, add a layer of rich harmony, further emphasizing the sincerity of the message.

Commercially, “Because of Love” wasn’t a chart-topping juggernaut like some of Elvis’ earlier hits. However, its significance lies in its contribution to the overall success of the Girls! Girls! Girls! album, which reached number three on the Billboard Top LPs chart. More importantly, the song serves as a delightful snapshot of a specific moment in Elvis’ career – a time when rock and roll’s raw energy was being tempered for mass consumption. Yet, “Because of Love” retains enough of that Elvis magic to keep it a captivating listen, even for the most discerning music enthusiast. So, put on your blue suede shoes, crank up the volume, and let yourself be swept away by the infectious charm of “Because of Love.”

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Lyrics:

“Because Of Love”
(from “Girls! Girls! Girls!” soundtrack)

Because of love, I’m a hundred feet tall
I can bounce this world like a little old ball
The heaven and earth are now all mine
I’ve jumped to the moon from cloud number nine
Because, because, because, because of loveBecause of love, I’m a mighty big man
I hold the sun in the palm of my hand
Just one leap I can cross the seas
Jump over mountains and fly over trees
Because, because, because, because of loveWell I found love, I found love
That’s all that I can say
Oh I’ll never, never, I’ll never, never
Never let it get awayBecause of love, I’m the happiest guy
And life is sweet as cherry cream pie
Well heaven and earth are now all mine
I’ve jumped to the moon from cloud number nine
Because, because, because, because of love
Because, because, because, because of love