Elvis Presley – Crying in the Chapel

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Crying in the Chapel, a song forever etched in the annals of American music history, and one that Elvis Presley truly made his own. Released in 1965 on RCA’s Gold Standard Series, it wasn’t originally an Elvis tune. The original version, written by Artie Glenn and recorded by his son Darrell Glenn in 1953, achieved modest success, peaking at number six on the Billboard charts. But the song’s quiet balladry held a certain charm, waiting for the right voice to elevate it to iconic status.

Enter Elvis Presley, a decade later. The King of Rock and Roll, by this point, was a seasoned performer with a legion of devoted fans. His sound had matured, evolving from the electrifying rockabilly of his early years. Yet, his signature charisma and smooth vocals remained. When Elvis approached Crying in the Chapel, it wasn’t just a cover; it was a reinterpretation.

The producer at the helm, Felton Jarvis, deserves credit for recognizing the potential between Elvis and this particular song. Jarvis, a seasoned figure himself, had worked with Presley on numerous gospel recordings, showcasing the singer’s soulful side. Crying in the Chapel offered a perfect canvas for that soulful expression.

The arrangement itself is a masterclass in subtlety. Gone are the driving rhythms and flamboyant flourishes that often characterized Elvis’s rock and roll hits. Instead, a gentle piano sets the mood, accompanied by a restrained string section that swells beautifully at key moments. Backing vocals, likely by the Jordanaires, a vocal group that frequently collaborated with Elvis, add a layer of gospel-tinged harmony.

But it’s Elvis’s voice that truly takes center stage. He sheds his usual swagger, opting for a heartfelt sincerity. There’s a vulnerability in his delivery, a sense of searching and longing that resonates deeply with the listener. The lyrics themselves paint a picture of emotional turmoil – “I’ve searched and I’ve searched / But I couldn’t find / No way on earth / To gain peace of mind.” Yet, there’s also a glimmer of hope, a hint of joy that emerges as the song progresses. The ambiguity of the title, Crying in the Chapel, is left open to interpretation. Are the tears those of sadness or happiness? Elvis, through his nuanced performance, allows the listener to decide.

Crying in the Chapel was a turning point for Elvis in a way. It marked a return to the gospel influences of his early career, showcasing a depth and maturity that surprised many. The song became a massive hit, Elvis’s first million-seller since 1962, and his biggest chart success in over six years. It resonated not just with his core fanbase, but with a wider audience who appreciated the emotional honesty it conveyed.

Crying in the Chapel stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility as a performer. It’s a song that transcends genre, a ballad that speaks to the universal human experience of love, loss, and ultimately, hope. So, when you hear the opening notes of that gentle piano, prepare to be transported by a timeless classic, forever ingrained in the voice of the King.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Crying In The Chapel”