Elvis Presley – Gently

Introduction:

“Gently” by Elvis Presley is a soft and melodic ballad that showcases the tender side of the iconic performer, whose career was typically characterized by his energetic rock ‘n’ roll performances. The song was released in 1961 as part of Something for Everybody, one of Elvis’s early 1960s studio albums. This album represented a transitional phase in his career, where he explored softer ballads alongside his usual rock tunes, reflecting the more mature side of his musical persona.

Written by Roy C. Bennett and Sid Tepper, two prominent songwriters who collaborated with Presley on several tracks, “Gently” falls under the pop and traditional pop genres, leaning toward a romantic, easy-listening style. The song features subtle, understated instrumentation, with a prominent use of piano, soft strings, and a laid-back rhythm that complements Elvis’s smooth and emotive vocal delivery. The lyrics are intimate, expressing a heartfelt desire for tenderness and closeness in a romantic relationship, which resonated with the more mature themes Elvis was starting to adopt in this phase of his career.

Something for Everybody was released by RCA Victor in June 1961 and achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart. While the album featured more upbeat songs such as “I Feel So Bad,” it also contained several ballads like “Gently,” which highlighted Elvis’s vocal versatility and ability to connect with more emotional, contemplative material. “Gently” may not have been released as a single, but it stands as an example of the more subdued, crooner-style songs that helped to broaden Elvis’s appeal beyond his rock ‘n’ roll fanbase.

At this time in his career, Presley was balancing his recording work with a burgeoning film career, which would dominate much of the 1960s. Songs like “Gently” helped reinforce his status as a versatile artist capable of delivering both passionate rock numbers and soft, romantic ballads, further solidifying his place as a global music icon.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Gently”

Gently your eyes met mine
Tender, trusting, true
Gently your hand took mine
Thrilled me through and throughGently, oh so gently
Gentle as the dawn
Gently, oh so gently
Our true love was born

Gently your lips kissed mine
As we strolled along
Gently your heart touched mine
Young and warm and strong

Gently the hour is near
When true loves have to part
Gently we’ll meet again
One more kiss, sweetheart