Elvis Presley – Bringing It Back

Composed by Gregg Gordon, Bringing It Back is a ballad that leans heavily on the country music influences that were always present in Presley’s music. It’s a far cry from the electrifying rockabilly that launched his career, but it showcases a mature Elvis, grappling with themes of lost love, regret, and the enduring power of memory.

Today, the album on which Bringing It Back appears, was produced by Felton Jarvis, a collaborator who would remain with Presley until his untimely death in 1977. Jarvis, known for his work with country artists like Charlie Rich and Dolly Parton, brought a certain Nashville polish to Presley’s sound during this period. While some fans might have craved a return to the raw energy of his early years, Today showcased a more nuanced Elvis, one comfortable exploring a wider musical palette.

Bringing It Back itself wasn’t a chart-topping smash. It reached a respectable number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it failed to recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle success of his earlier hits. However, the song’s significance lies in its vulnerability. The lyrics, while not written by Presley himself, paint a picture of a man haunted by a past love. Lines like “Only bringin’ it back, only just bringin’ it back / A familiar face, a familiar face just brings it all back” speak to the power of memory to evoke both joy and sorrow. The song’s melancholic melody perfectly complements this introspective mood.

Bringing It Back might not be the first Elvis song that comes to mind, but for those seeking a glimpse into the complexities of the later Elvis, it’s a gem. It’s a song that reminds us that even the King wasn’t immune to the pangs of heartache and nostalgia. So, put on your blue suede shoes, metaphorical or otherwise, and prepare to be transported back to a time of reflection for the King of Rock and Roll.