Introduction:
In 1970, a poignant ballad titled “I’ve Lost You” emerged from the velvet-lined recording studios of Nashville, Tennessee. The song, delivered with the signature power and vulnerability of the one and only Elvis Presley, marked a shift in the King’s musical direction and became a sleeper hit on both sides of the Atlantic.
While Presley was synonymous with rock and roll anthems and heart-stopping dance numbers in the 1950s, by the late 1960s, his sound began to mature. He delved deeper into soulful ballads and country-tinged melodies, reflecting a shift in personal and musical priorities. “I’ve Lost You” perfectly embodied this evolution.
Composed by the British songwriting duo Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley (under the pen name “Steve Barlby”), the song was originally intended for British folk-rock musician Iain Matthews. However, Presley’s producer, the legendary Chips Moman, recognized the song’s potential to resonate with the King’s evolving sound and growing audience. Moman, known for his work with artists like Aretha Franklin and Willie Nelson, brought a touch of Nashville magic to the recording sessions, infusing the ballad with a subtle country twang that complemented Presley’s powerful vocals.
Released in July 1970, “I’ve Lost You” achieved moderate success on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 32. However, its impact transcended chart positions. The song resonated deeply with fans who connected with Presley’s heartfelt delivery of the lyrics, which paint a picture of a love lost and the lingering emptiness it leaves behind. The track became a staple in Presley’s live performances during his 1970 Las Vegas residency, further solidifying its emotional connection with audiences. Live renditions of the song, particularly the one included in the documentary film “That’s the Way It Is”, showcased the raw power and vulnerability that Presley could evoke with a single ballad.
“I’ve Lost You” stands as a testament to Presley’s artistic growth and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level. It’s a song that showcases both the raw talent that made him the King of Rock and Roll and the introspective maturity that marked his later career. While not his biggest commercial hit, “I’ve Lost You” remains a cherished gem in Presley’s vast catalog, a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy as a musical chameleon and a master storyteller.
Video:
Lyrics:
“I’ve Lost You”
(from “That’s The Way It Is” soundtrack)Lying by your side I watch you sleeping
And in your face the sweetness of a child
Murmuring the dreams you won’t recapture
Though it will haunt the corners of you mindI’ve Lost though you’re near me
And your body’s still this kind
I’ve lost you on a journey,
But I can’t remember where or whenWho can tell when summer turns to autumn
And who can point the moment love grows cold
Softly without pain the joy is over
Though why it’s gone will neither of us knowOh, I’ve lost you yes, I’ve lost you
I can’t reach you anymore
We ought to talk it over now
But reason can’t stand in for feeling, ohSix o’clock the baby will be crying
And you will stumble, sleeping to the door
In the chill and solemn gray of morning
We play the parts that we have learned to wellOh I’ve lost you, oh, I’ve lost you
Oh, You won’t admit it so
I’ve lost you on a journey,
But I can’t remember where or when no moreOh, I’ve lost you yes, I’ve lost you
I can’t reach you anymore
We ought to talk it over now
But reason can’t stand in for feeling, ohOh, I’ve lost you yes, I’ve lost you
I can’t reach you anymore
We ought to talk it over now
But reason can’t stand in for feeling, oh