Introduction:
“Edge of Reality” by Elvis Presley is a notable track from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s rich catalog of music. Released in 1968, the song was prominently featured in the musical comedy film Live a Little, Love a Little, directed by Norman Taurog. The movie was one of Presley’s many film projects from the 1960s, a period where his career leaned heavily into acting as well as music. While many of the soundtracks from his films are not as well-known as his studio albums, “Edge of Reality” stands out due to its unique psychedelic rock sound, a departure from Presley’s traditional rock ‘n’ roll and pop styles.
The song was written by Bernie Baum, Bill Giant, and Florence Kaye, a trio that frequently collaborated on songs for Presley’s films. It appears on the soundtrack for Live a Little, Love a Little and is closely associated with the surreal dream sequence in the movie, which helped give it its psychedelic edge. Musically, “Edge of Reality” blends elements of psychedelic rock with the classic rock and pop sounds that Presley was known for, featuring a haunting melody and orchestration that fit well with the dreamlike visuals of the film sequence.
Though “Edge of Reality” wasn’t released as a standalone album track, it was featured as the B-side to “If I Can Dream,” which became a major hit in 1968, achieving commercial success after Presley’s historic television special known as the ’68 Comeback Special. “If I Can Dream” charted highly, helping “Edge of Reality” gain additional attention.
While “Edge of Reality” never achieved the same level of fame as some of Presley’s biggest hits, it has grown in recognition over the years as a cult favorite among Elvis fans. The song reflects Presley’s brief foray into the more experimental sounds of the late 1960s, a period when many artists were exploring psychedelic and boundary-pushing music. It serves as an interesting entry in Presley’s extensive musical repertoire, showcasing his versatility and willingness to explore different genres beyond the conventional sounds of rock, gospel, and country.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Edge Of Reality”
I walk along a thin line darling
Dark shadows follow me
Here’s where life’s dream lies disillusioned
The edge of realityOh I can hear strange voices echo
Laughing with mockery
The border line of doom I’m facing
The edge of realityOn the edge of reality she sits there tormenting me
The girl with the nameless face
On the edge of reality where she overpowers me
With fears that I can’t explain
She drove me to the point of madness
The brink of misery
If she’s not real then I’m condemned to
The edge of realityOn the edge of reality she sits there tormenting me
The girl with the nameless face
On the edge of reality where she overpowers me
With fears that I can’t explain
She drove me to the point of madness
The brink of misery
If she’s not real then I’m condemned to
The edge of realityReality, reality, reality, reality,
Reality, reality, reality, reality