Elvis Presley – Separate Ways

This is where “Separate Ways” comes in. While Presley never entirely abandoned his rock and roll roots, this song leans heavily towards the country genre. This wasn’t entirely new territory for him – he’d dabbled in country music throughout his career – but “Separate Ways” marked a more sustained exploration. It was written by the Nashville songwriting duo of Red West and Richard Mainegra, known for penning hits for artists like Johnny Cash and Connie Smith. Their country sensibilities are evident in the song’s structure and lyrical themes.

Produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator of Presley’s, “Separate Ways” struck a chord with audiences. It became a double A-side single, backed with the now iconic ballad “Always On My Mind”. While “Always On My Mind” ultimately became the bigger hit, reaching number one on the pop charts, “Separate Ways” found success on the country charts, peaking at number 16 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. It even achieved gold status in the US, indicating sales of over half a million copies.

The song itself is a poignant ballad about a relationship on the rocks. The lyrics, delivered with Presley’s signature charisma, detail the slow unraveling of a love affair. Lines like “We’ve been going separate ways for quite a while” and “There’s nothin’ left to hold on to” paint a picture of a love that’s lost its spark. The instrumentation is classic country – acoustic guitar, piano, and a gentle steel guitar weave a melancholic tapestry behind Presley’s vocals. There’s a sense of resignation in the delivery, a quiet acceptance of the inevitable.

“Separate Ways” is significant for a number of reasons. It showcases Presley’s versatility as a performer, his ability to convincingly navigate different genres. It also reflects the changing musical landscape of the early 70s, a time when boundaries between genres were becoming increasingly blurred. Most importantly, it’s a beautifully crafted song, a testament to Presley’s enduring ability to connect with listeners through his voice and storytelling. Though perhaps overshadowed by some of his bigger hits, “Separate Ways” remains a valuable gem in the vast Presley catalog.