Almost Always True – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“Almost Always True” by Elvis Presley was released on October 20, 1961, as part of the soundtrack for the film Blue Hawaii. The song was written by Fred Wise and Ben Weisman and recorded on March 22, 1961, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood. It features a lively, upbeat rhythm typical of Presley’s early 1960s pop style, blending rock and roll with Hawaiian musical elements that fit the tropical theme of the film.

The recording features an ensemble of talented musicians, including Hank Garland and Scotty Moore on guitar, Bob Moore on bass, D.J. Fontana and Hal Blaine on drums, and Boots Randolph on saxophone. Floyd Cramer played piano, while the vocal backing was provided by The Jordanaires and The Surfers, further enhancing the song’s catchy and playful vibe​.

The song was a key track in Blue Hawaii, a commercially successful film that showcased Elvis in one of his most iconic roles, solidifying his status as both a musician and a movie star. The film’s soundtrack, including “Almost Always True,” contributed to the album’s massive success, which topped the Billboard charts for several weeks​.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Almost Always True”
(from “Blue Hawaii” soundtrack)

I was always, baby, I was always
Well almost always true to you
Met a pretty mademoiselle
Her papa owned a small hotel
Oh, I was almost always true to youI resisted tho’ my arm was twisted
I was almost always true to you
Stayed away from drinkin’ wine
Thought about you all the time
Oh, I was almost always true to you

Kept refusin’ don’t jump to conclusions
I was almost always true to you
I would never grab like this
I would never steal a kiss
Oh, I was almost always true to you