Elvis Presley – “Take Me To The Fair”

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “Take Me To The Fair”. Released in 1963, this delightful ditty serves as a charming time capsule, transporting us back to a simpler era of teenage romance and amusement park thrills. Now, for those unfamiliar with the trajectory of Presley’s career, the early 60s presented a bit of a shift. The electrifying rockabilly that catapulted him to stardom in the late 50s had begun to soften around the edges. This wasn’t a complete departure, mind you. Elvis’s charisma and signature swagger remained firmly intact. But the sound had evolved, incorporating elements of pop and ballads alongside the earlier rock and roll influences.

“Take Me To The Fair” perfectly exemplifies this transition. The songwriters, Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, were veterans of the Brill Building scene, a New York songwriting factory renowned for churning out catchy pop tunes. Their work found a perfect fit with Presley’s evolving sound. The instrumentation here is light and airy, featuring a prominent acoustic guitar that sets a gentle, playful mood. We can practically hear the calliope music and smell the popcorn wafting through the speakers.

Of course, no analysis of an Elvis song would be complete without mentioning the man himself. Presley’s vocal delivery in “Take Me To The Fair” is pure charm. He effortlessly blends playful enthusiasm with a touch of his signature sensuality. There’s a hint of a wink in his voice as he sings lines like, “Let’s go to the fair, well walk hand in hand, through Tomorrow Land, honey.” It’s a performance that perfectly captures the innocent flirtation and carefree joy of a young couple on a date.

While “Take Me To The Fair” wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit on the level of Presley’s earlier work, it has nonetheless carved out a special place in his vast catalog. It was featured in the film It Happened at the World’s Fair, a lightweight romantic comedy that further cemented Elvis’s status as a movie idol. The song itself holds a certain nostalgic power, transporting us back to a time of cotton candy kisses and Ferris wheel rides. It’s a delightful reminder of Presley’s versatility as a performer and his ability to connect with audiences through sheer charm and musicality. So, put on your blue suede shoes, grab your sweetheart, and let Elvis whisk you away to the vibrant sights and sounds of the fairground with “Take Me To The Fair.”

Video:

Lyrics:

“Take Me To The Fair”
(from “It Happened At The World’s Fair” soundtrack)