Elvis Presley – An Evening Prayer

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s An Evening Prayer. Released in 1972 on the album He Touched Me, this track offers a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known facet of the King’s artistry. While most associate Elvis with the electrifying rock and roll anthems that made him a global icon, An Evening Prayer showcases a deeply personal and introspective side.

Now, Presley wasn’t necessarily known for being overtly religious throughout his career. His music often pulsed with a secular energy, drawing heavily on the rhythm and blues influences of his youth. However, gospel music was a cornerstone of his early musical experiences, and its influence simmered beneath the surface throughout his life. An Evening Prayer brings that influence to the forefront, revealing a man seeking solace and reflection in the quiet hours.

The song itself is a ballad, a stark contrast to the high-octane productions that often defined Presley’s sound. The instrumentation is spare, relying primarily on piano and a gentle backing vocal quartet, The Imperials. This minimalism allows Elvis’s voice to take center stage. Here, we hear a different kind of power – a raw vulnerability as he grapples with themes of repentance and forgiveness.

The lyrics, penned by C.M. Battersby, are simple yet profound. They paint a picture of self-reflection, acknowledging mistakes and seeking solace in a higher power. Lines like “If I have wounded any soul today / If I have caused one’s foot to go astray” reveal a man grappling with the weight of his actions. The plea for forgiveness, both for confessed and unseen transgressions, speaks to a yearning for redemption.

It’s important to note the context surrounding An Evening Prayer’s release. In the early 1970s, Presley was navigating a complex period in his career. The electrifying rock and roll of his early days had given way to a more polished Las Vegas sound. While commercially successful, it left some critics yearning for the raw energy of his youth. An Evening Prayer stands as a testament to Presley’s artistic depth. It demonstrates his willingness to explore a more introspective and spiritual side, a quality that often gets overshadowed by his flamboyant stage persona.

The song itself wasn’t a major commercial hit, but it holds a special place in the hearts of many Presley fans. It offers a glimpse into the soul of the King, revealing a man of faith seeking solace and redemption. Produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator who understood Presley’s artistic sensibilities, An Evening Prayer stands as a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of Elvis Presley’s musical legacy. It’s a song that invites quiet contemplation, a stark contrast to the frenetic energy of his rock and roll anthems, yet a vital piece of the puzzle that is the King of Rock and Roll.

Video:

Lyrics:

“An Evening Prayer”

Forgive a sin I have confessed to Thee
Forgive my secret sins I do
Oh God watch over me and my misery
Dear Lord, help me