Introduction:
In the vibrant tapestry of Elvis Presley’s music career, a lesser-known gem shines with a unique charm: “Soldier Boy”. Released in 1960 as part of the compilation album Elvis Is Back!, this mid-tempo ballad ventured into a more introspective territory for the young King of Rock and Roll.
Elvis Presley, then at the peak of his phenomenal rise to fame, found himself drafted into the United States Army in 1958. Stationed in Germany for two years, his military service coincided with a period of immense personal and professional change. “Soldier Boy” is believed to be one of the first songs written about Presley’s experience in the army, offering a glimpse into the emotions and anxieties surrounding his time in service.
The song, credited to songwriting duo Sid Tepper and Roy C. Bennett, presents a poignant narrative. The lyrics, though not explicitly referencing Elvis himself, paint a picture of a young soldier grappling with homesickness and longing for love. The melancholic melody, featuring a prominent piano and a string section, departs from the high-octane rockabilly sound that had catapulted Elvis to superstardom.
“Soldier Boy” was produced by the legendary RCA Records team of Steve Sholes and Bill Porter. Sholes, a seasoned producer who had worked with Presley on many of his early hits, opted for a more subdued and introspective approach for “Soldier Boy”. This shift in sound resonated with some fans, but it also surprised others accustomed to Elvis’s electrifying performances.
While “Soldier Boy” didn’t achieve the chart-topping success of some of Presley’s other releases, it holds a significant place in his musical journey. The song offered a glimpse into a maturing artist grappling with new experiences and emotions. It resonated with many young men serving in the military, finding solace in the shared experience of separation and longing.
The enduring legacy of “Soldier Boy” lies not just in its melody, but in the window it provides into a pivotal moment in Elvis Presley’s life. The song serves as a reminder of his humanity, his vulnerability, and the universality of emotions that transcended his larger-than-life persona.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Soldier Boy”
Soldier boy why feel blue
Don’t you believe that she will be true
It’s written in the book
That she was meant for only youSoldier boy tell me why do you cry
When you return she’ll rush to your side
It’s written in the book
That she was meant for only youSo prove your love is true
She’ll be there to say “I do”
And if you go o’er sea or land
She’ll make you understandWhile you’re gone oh try to believe
Her love for you is really for real
It’s written in the book
That she was meant for only youSo prove your love is true
She’ll be there to say “I do”
And if you go o’er sea or land
She’ll make you understandWhile you’re gone oh try to believe
Her love for you is really for real
It’s written in the book
That she was meant for only you