Introduction:
“Mary in the Morning” is a tender ballad recorded by Elvis Presley during a highly productive session at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville on June 5, 1970. Written by Johnny Cymbal and Michael Rashkow, the song originally gained attention through its earlier versions, but Presley’s rendition brought it a new depth of emotion and elegance. It was included on the album That’s the Way It Is, released in November 1970, a collection blending live and studio performances that showcased Elvis’s versatility and connection to romantic themes.
In this recording, Elvis was supported by a rich ensemble of Nashville session musicians. James Burton contributed on guitar, alongside Norbert Putnam on bass and Jerry Carrigan on drums. The instrumental arrangement included contributions from Charlie McCoy on organ and harmonica, and Weldon Myrick on steel guitar. The lush backing vocals featured The Imperials, The Jordanaires, and several other talented singers, creating a serene yet layered soundscape.
The song stands out for its delicate portrayal of love and devotion, with Elvis’s heartfelt delivery perfectly complementing the gentle orchestration. The session was part of a marathon recording effort that produced numerous classics, reflecting a period of renewed artistic vigor for Presley. “Mary in the Morning” remains a cherished entry in his catalog, celebrated for its romantic ambiance and the emotional sincerity of his performance.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Mary In The Morning”
(from “That’s The Way It Is” soundtrack)
When through the sleepy haze I see her lying there
Soft as the rain that falls on summerflowers
Warm as the sunlight shining on her headWhen I awake and see her there so close beside me
I want to take her in my arms,
The ache is there so deep inside me
Nothing’s quite as pretty as Mary in the morning
Chasing the rainbow in her dreams so far away
And when she turns to touch me I kiss her fingers so softly
And then my Mary wake to love and love again
And Mary’s there in summer days or stormy weather
She doesn’t care how right or wrong the love we share,
We share together
Nothing’s quite as pretty as Mary in the evening
Kissed by the shade of night and starlight in her hair
And as we walk, I hold her close beside me
All our tomorrows for a lifetime we will share