Elvis Presley – “Forget Me Never”

Introduction:

Ah, Forget Me Never, a lesser-known gem by the King himself, Elvis Presley. Though it wasn’t released in his lifetime, this melancholic ballad recorded in 1960 has become a treasured piece among dedicated Elvis fans and music aficionados alike. Originally intended for the soundtrack of Elvis’s film Wild in the Country, the song was ultimately cut, leaving it to languish in the vaults until its official release in 1981 on the compilation album Tomorrow Night.

Composed by the songwriting duo of Fred Wise and Ben Weisman, Forget Me Never falls under the genre of pop ballad. Now, Elvis throughout his career dabbled in ballads, but Forget Me Never stands out for its poignant lyrics and Presley’s nuanced vocal delivery. The song’s producer, Steve Sholes, known for his work with Elvis on numerous hit recordings, creates a simple yet effective backdrop for Presley’s voice. A gentle acoustic guitar strums the verses, building to a tasteful string arrangement in the chorus that perfectly complements the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Those lyrics, though not penned by Elvis himself, resonate with the vulnerability Elvis could effortlessly express in his ballads. They paint a picture of a love lost, pleading for remembrance. Lines like “Don’t let my memory fade away” and “Forget the world, forget the time, but forget me never” are delivered with a sincerity that cuts through the decades, a testament to Presley’s timeless vocal talent.

Forget Me Never may not have reached the chart-topping heights of some of Elvis’s other recordings, but its significance lies in its contribution to the vast and multifaceted Presley catalogue. It showcases a side of The King not always thrust into the spotlight – his ability to deliver a heartfelt ballad with genuine tenderness. For Elvis fans and music lovers alike, Forget Me Never is a welcome discovery, a reminder of the King’s enduring legacy and his unmatched ability to connect with listeners through song.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Forget Me Never”