Introduction:
“The Wonder of You” is one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic live recordings, first released on April 20, 1970. Originally a hit for Ray Peterson in 1959, the song was reimagined by Elvis during his February 1970 performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. His rendition of this ballad highlighted its heartfelt lyrics and orchestral arrangement, embodying his ability to blend emotional depth with dramatic delivery. The single featured “Mama Liked the Roses” as its B-side.
Elvis recorded “The Wonder of You” live in front of an audience, capturing his charisma and the energy of his Vegas performances. The recording became a commercial success, climbing into the Top 10 on U.S. charts and achieving significant international acclaim. It reached number one in the UK and sold over a million copies worldwide, further cementing Elvis’s comeback following his return to live performing in 1969.
This song is notable for its lush instrumentation, blending strings and brass to create a rich sonic backdrop for Elvis’s soaring vocals. Its lyrics, celebrating unconditional love and admiration, resonated deeply with fans, making it a staple of his live shows and a beloved part of his catalog.
Even decades after its release, “The Wonder of You” continues to showcase Elvis’s enduring influence on music and popular culture, embodying his mastery of live performance and connection with his audience.
Video:
Lyrics:
“The Wonder Of You”
When everything I do is wrong
You give me love and consolation
You give me hope to carry onAnd you’re always there to lend a hand
In everything I do
That’s the wonder
The wonder of you
And when you smile the world is brighter
You touch my hand and I’m a king
Your love to me is worth a fortune
Your love for me is everything
I’ll guess I’ll never know the reason why
You love me as you do
That’s the wonder
The wonder of you
I’ll guess I’ll never know the reason why
You love me as you do
That’s the wonder
The wonder of you