Introduction:
“You Gave Me A Mountain” is one of Elvis Presley’s most powerful and emotional performances, immortalized in his 1973 live album Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite. This album is significant as it was recorded during a globally broadcast concert held on January 14, 1973, in Honolulu, Hawaii, making it one of the first live performances transmitted via satellite. The event was seen by over a billion viewers worldwide, cementing Presley’s status as a global superstar. The song itself, written by country singer-songwriter Marty Robbins in 1966, found a special place in Elvis’s repertoire due to its poignant lyrics and emotional depth.
Although not originally penned by Presley, “You Gave Me A Mountain” resonated with his personal struggles and the challenges he faced during his career and personal life. The song tells the story of a man burdened by life’s hardships, with the “mountain” symbolizing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Given its theme, it became one of Presley’s signature live performances, especially during the later years of his career when he was grappling with various personal issues, including his divorce from Priscilla Presley.
The genre of “You Gave Me A Mountain” can be categorized as a blend of gospel, country, and pop, showcasing Presley’s ability to convey deep emotion through his voice. The Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite album is a mix of rock, pop, gospel, and country, highlighting Elvis’s versatility as a performer. This particular live rendition of the song is considered one of his most heartfelt performances, capturing the raw emotion and power of his vocal delivery.
Despite not being released as a single in 1973, “You Gave Me A Mountain” from the Aloha from Hawaii concert received critical acclaim. It remains a favorite among Elvis fans and is often cited as one of the highlights of his live performance catalog. This song, along with the concert itself, continues to symbolize the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley as an artist who could connect deeply with audiences through his music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“You Gave Me A Mountain”
Born in the heat of the desert
My mother died giving me life
Deprived of the love of a father
Blamed for the loss of his wife
You know Lord I’ve been in a prison
For something that I never done
It’s been one hill after another
I’ve climbed them all one by oneBut this time, Lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know I may never climb
It isn’t just a hill any longer
You gave me a mountain this timeMy woman got tired of heartaches
Tired of the grief and the strife
So tired of working for nothing
Just tired of being my wife
She took my one ray of sunshine
She took my pride and my joy
She took my reason for living
She took my small baby boyBut this time, Lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know I may never climb
It isn’t just a hill any longer
You gave me a mountain this time