Introduction:
“You’ll Be Gone” is a lesser-known gem in Elvis Presley’s catalog, co-written by Elvis himself, along with Red West and Charlie Hodge. The song was recorded on March 18, 1962, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. This session featured accomplished musicians, including Scotty Moore and Harold Bradley on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano and organ, and Boots Randolph on saxophone. The Jordanaires and Millie Kirkham provided the backing vocals, enhancing the song’s lush arrangement.
Musically, “You’ll Be Gone” stands out as one of Elvis’s rare ventures into Latin-inspired rhythms, a departure from his typical rock and roll or ballad styles. Lyrically, it explores themes of heartbreak and loss, delivered with a sense of dramatic flair. The song was initially intended to showcase Elvis’s ambition to write and perform more sophisticated material, with its melodic structure influenced by European waltz forms.
“You’ll Be Gone” was released as the B-side to the single “Do the Clam” on February 9, 1965, which coincided with the promotion of his film Girl Happy. Despite not achieving significant commercial success, it remains notable for highlighting Elvis’s songwriting skills and his willingness to experiment with different musical styles. The track has since gained appreciation among fans and collectors for its unique place in his extensive discography.
Video:
Lyrics:
“You’ll Be Gone”
(from “Girl Happy” soundtrack)
And you are mine
Let’s make this night a night to remember
Don’t make our love a cold dying ember
For with the dawn, you’ll be gone
Hold me close in your arms as the night withers away
Let’s not waste one precious kiss while we’re together
Oh please come to my arms and say you’ll love me forever
For with the dawn, you’ll be goneSweetheart when you’re near
My heart is aflame
Your lips pressed on mine is heaven descending
And I could die because it is ending
For with the dawn, you’ll be gone
Let these passions we feel in our hearts never end
I could never share this feeling with another
Oh please say that you feel the same knowing no other ??
For with the dawn, you’ll be gone
For with the dawn, you’ll be gone
For with the dawn, you’ll be gone
For with the dawn, you’ll be gone