Introduction:
“Return to Sender,” a classic hit by Elvis Presley, showcases the King of Rock and Roll at his charismatic best. Released in 1962, the song was featured in the musical comedy Girls! Girls! Girls! and became one of the standout tracks of both the film and Elvis’s career. Written by the talented duo Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell, the song combines a rock-and-roll foundation with pop sensibilities, highlighted by a distinctive saxophone solo that Elvis himself preferred over a traditional guitar lead.
The lyrics narrate a relatable story of romantic rejection. After a lovers’ quarrel, the protagonist sends a letter to apologize, only to have it returned with the label “Address Unknown.” This playful yet poignant theme, coupled with Elvis’s energetic delivery and the track’s infectious rhythm, made “Return to Sender” a chart-topping success. It reached No. 1 in the UK and Ireland and climbed to No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, cementing its status as an international favorite.
Musically, the song blends elements of rock and doo-wop, with a prominent backing chorus adding to its lively charm. Its upbeat tempo contrasts with the underlying theme of longing, a duality that resonated with audiences then and continues to do so today. Beyond its commercial success, “Return to Sender” remains a cultural touchstone, frequently featured in retrospectives on Elvis’s career and the golden age of rock and roll.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Return To Sender”
Return to sender
I gave a letter to the postman
He put it his sack
Bright in early next morning
He brought my letter back
She wrote upon it
Return to sender, address unknown
No such number, no such zone
We had a quarrel, a lovers’ spat
I write I’m sorry but my letter keeps coming back
So then I dropped it in the mailbox
And sent it special D
Bright in early next morning
It came right back to me
She wrote upon it
Return to sender, address unknown
No such person, no such zone
This time I’m gonna take it myself
And put it right in her hand
And if it comes back the very next day
Then I’ll understand the writing on it
Return to sender, address unknown
No such number, no such zone
Return to sender
Return to sender
Return to sender
Return to sender