Introduction:
“Are You Lonesome Tonight?” is one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic songs, known for its emotional depth and connection with audiences. Originally released by Elvis in 1960, the song became a defining moment in his career, showcasing his versatility as an artist and his ability to convey profound emotion through his voice. The track was included in Elvis’s album Elvis Is Back!, although it was released separately as a single and did not appear on the initial album release. It is classified as a pop ballad with a touch of doo-wop, a genre that aligns with Elvis’s style during that era, which often blended rock and roll, pop, and rhythm and blues.
The song “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” was not originally written for Elvis; it was composed by Lou Handman with lyrics by Roy Turk in 1926. Before Elvis’s rendition, the song had been recorded by various artists, including Charles Hart in 1927 and Blue Barron in 1950, but none of these versions reached the level of popularity that Elvis’s would later achieve. Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s manager, suggested that Elvis record the song because it was a favorite of Parker’s wife, Marie Mott. Elvis recorded his version on April 4, 1960, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, during a late-night recording session that also produced several other hits.
Upon its release, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” quickly became a commercial success. The single topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in November 1960 and remained at number one for six weeks, reaffirming Elvis’s status as the “King of Rock and Roll” during a period when his career was transitioning after his return from military service. It also achieved the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart, making it an international hit. The song’s emotional delivery, particularly Elvis’s spoken-word bridge, resonated deeply with audiences, and it became one of his most requested songs in live performances.
The song received several accolades, including gold certification from the RIAA, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its success helped solidify Elvis’s comeback after his time in the Army and showcased his ability to excel in a genre beyond rock and roll. “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” remains one of Elvis’s most beloved songs, notable for its soulful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and its enduring impact on popular music.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Are You Lonesome Tonight?”
Are you lonesome tonight
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a bright summer day
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?I wonder if you’re lonesome tonight
You know someone said that the world’s a stage
And each of us must play a part
Fate had me playing in love with you as my sweetheart
Act one was where we met
I loved you at first glance
You read your lines so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seemed to change, you acted strange
And why I’ve never known
Honey, you lied when you said you loved me
And I had no cause to doubt you
But I’d rather go on hearing your lies
Than to go on living without you
Now the stage is bare and I’m standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you won’t come back to me
Then they can bring the curtain downIs your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?