Introduction:
While Elvis Presley was undeniably the King of Rock and Roll, his musical repertoire extended far beyond the electrifying sounds that defined his early career. “Big Love, Big Heartache,” released in 1964, showcases a different side of Elvis, one tinged with vulnerability and heartbreak.
The song originated as part of the soundtrack for the movie “Roustabout,” a musical comedy starring Presley. Produced by Joseph Lilley, “Big Love, Big Heartache” falls under the genre of pop ballad. The smooth saxophone melody played by Boots Randolph sets the melancholic tone, while the backing vocals provided by The Jordanaires add a touch of gospel-tinged harmony.
Despite its inclusion in a lighthearted film, “Big Love, Big Heartache” grapples with the emotional fallout of a love lost. The lyrics, written by Dolores Fuller, Lee Morris, and Sonny Hendrix, express the singer’s deep pain and lingering affection for a departed lover. Elvis delivers the vocals with a rawness that belies his usual charismatic persona, conveying the emotional toll of a love that wasn’t meant to be.
Although not one of Presley’s chart-topping hits, “Big Love, Big Heartache” has garnered a dedicated following among fans who appreciate its emotional depth. It stands as a testament to Elvis’s versatility as a vocalist, his ability to navigate heartbreak ballads with the same conviction he brought to his rock and roll anthems. The song continues to resonate with listeners today, a reminder of the universal power of love and loss.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Big Love, Big Heartache”
(from Roustabout soundtrack)
(from “Roustabout” soundtrack)Oh yes, I know it’s true
The more you fall in love
The more your heart can break in two
Now that you’ve said goodbye
For every tender kiss
I’ve had the tears I cry
I gave my heart and soul
All the love I knew
Oh how much it hurts me now
To know that we are throughI’ll always feel this way
My arms will be so empty
You’ll return some day and say
Your love, yes your big love
Will be here to stay
Till then it’sYour love yes your big love
Will be here to stay