Introduction:
“It’s Now or Never” by Elvis Presley is a classic song that holds a significant place in the annals of rock and roll history. Released in 1960, this song was part of a transformative period for Elvis, showcasing his ability to cross musical genres and appeal to a wide audience. The song was included in the album “Elvis’ Golden Records Volume 3,” which featured some of his most celebrated hits.
“It’s Now or Never” is notable for its blending of musical styles, combining rock and roll with elements of opera and pop, a genre often referred to as “pop ballad.” The song is based on the melody of the Italian song “O Sole Mio,” composed in 1898 by Eduardo di Capua with lyrics by Giovanni Capurro. Inspired by Tony Martin’s 1949 hit “There’s No Tomorrow,” which also used the same melody, Elvis Presley decided to record his own version with new English lyrics written by Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold. The unique fusion of traditional Italian melodies with contemporary American pop created a fresh, innovative sound that helped the song stand out in the crowded music landscape of the early 1960s.
Upon its release, “It’s Now or Never” achieved immense commercial success and quickly topped the charts worldwide. It became a number-one hit in the United States, staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks. Additionally, it topped the UK Singles Chart for eight weeks, making it one of the best-selling singles of that year in both countries. The song’s success wasn’t limited to English-speaking countries; it also achieved high rankings on international charts, solidifying Elvis’s global appeal.
Critically, “It’s Now or Never” marked a significant achievement in Elvis Presley’s career. The song’s operatic pop style demonstrated his versatility as a vocalist, moving beyond the rock and roll sound that had initially catapulted him to fame. It sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of Elvis’s most successful singles. This song not only added to his stature as the “King of Rock and Roll” but also illustrated his capacity to bridge different musical styles and cultures, further cementing his influence in the music world.
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Lyrics:
“It’s Now Or Never”
It’s now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late
It’s now or never
My love won’t waitWhen I first saw you
With your smile so tender
My heart was captured
My soul surrendered
I’d spend a lifetime
Waiting for the right time
Now that you’re near
The time is here at lastIt’s now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late
It’s now or never
My love won’t waitJust like a willow
We would cry an ocean
If we lost true love
And sweet devotion
Your lips excite me
Let your arms invite me
For who knows when
We’ll meet again this wayIt’s now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late
It’s now or never
My love won’t waitIt’s now or never
My love won’t waitIt’s now or never
My love won’t waitIt’s now or never
My love won’t wait