Elvis Presley – Are You Lonesome Tonight? 68′

Introduction:

Are You Lonesome Tonight? by Elvis Presley, released in 1968, is a landmark song that marked a significant turning point in Presley’s career. After a period focusing on Hollywood films and soundtracks, Are You Lonesome Tonight? signaled Presley’s return to his roots in Rock and Roll and soulful ballads.

The song itself is a beautiful and poignant ballad, a genre that often tells stories of love, loss, and longing. Are You Lonesome Tonight? perfectly encapsulates these themes, with Presley’s iconic vocals delivering a melancholic yet tender performance. The lyrics explore feelings of loneliness and isolation, questioning a former lover about their well-being and reminiscing about happier times.

Significantly, Are You Lonesome Tonight? was part of Elvis Presley’s ’68 Comeback Special , a televised concert that marked his return to live performance after a seven-year hiatus. The special was a critical and commercial success, and Are You Lonesome Tonight? became one of the most recognizable songs from the event. Produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator with Presley, the song featured a stripped-down blend of country and pop music, allowing Presley’s vocals to take center stage.

The impact of Are You Lonesome Tonight? was undeniable. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and reached number two in the United Kingdom. This success marked a resurgence in Presley’s popularity and signaled a return to form for the King of Rock and Roll. Are You Lonesome Tonight? has endured as a classic** over the years, covered by countless artists and remaining a beloved part of Presley’s vast musical legacy. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and Presley’s unmatched charisma.

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 down

Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?