Introduction:
“A Mess of Blues” by Elvis Presley is a classic blues-inspired track that showcases his ability to blend rock ‘n’ roll with rhythm and blues. Released as a single in 1960, the song was written by the famous songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, who were known for creating many hits during the early rock era. “A Mess of Blues” was recorded on March 21, 1960, during Elvis’s first recording session after returning from military service, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.
The song was released as the B-side to “It’s Now or Never,” which became one of Elvis’s biggest hits. Despite being a B-side, “A Mess of Blues” found its own success and charted in several countries, making it a notable entry in Elvis’s extensive catalog. In the U.S., the song reached #32 on the Billboard Hot 100, while it performed even better in the UK, reaching #2 on the UK Singles Chart.
Musically, “A Mess of Blues” leans heavily into the blues genre but also incorporates elements of rock and pop, reflecting the versatility of Elvis’s style. The song features a laid-back, soulful rhythm, with a prominent piano and guitar riff that complement Elvis’s smooth yet emotional vocal delivery. His voice captures the essence of heartache and longing, themes central to blues music, while still maintaining a light, catchy feel that appealed to a broader pop audience.
The track is included in several compilation albums, most notably the Elvis’ Golden Records Volume 3 (1963), which brought together many of his popular tracks from that era. Although it didn’t become one of his most iconic songs compared to others, “A Mess of Blues” is still regarded as an example of his ability to cross genres, blending his roots in blues and rock ‘n’ roll seamlessly. Its success overseas, especially in the UK, cemented its place in Elvis’s international appeal during the early 1960s.
Video:
Lyrics:
“A Mess Of Blues”
(Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman)
I just got your letter baby
Too bad you can’t come home
I swear I’m goin’ crazy
Sittin’ here all alone
Since you’re gone
I got a mess of bluesI ain’t slept a wink since Sunday
I can’t eat a thing all day
Every day is just blue Monday
Since you’ve been away
Since you’re gone
I got a mess of bluesWhoops there goes a teardrop
Rollin’ down my face
If you cry when you’re in love
It sure ain’t no disgraceI gotta get myself together
Before I lose my mind
I’m gonna catch the next train goin’
And leave my blues behind
Since you’re gone
I got a mess of bluesWhoops there goes a teardrop
Rollin’ down my face
If you cry when you’re in love
It sure ain’t no disgraceI gotta get myself together
Before I lose my mind
I’m gonna catch the next train goin’
And leave my blues behind
Since you’re gone
I got a mess of bluesSince you’re gone I got a mess of blues
Since you’re gone I got a mess of blues