Introduction:
In 1956, amidst the electrifying rise of rock and roll, a young Elvis Presley emerged as a cultural phenomenon. His energetic performances, charismatic stage presence, and unique blend of country, blues, and gospel music had ignited a musical revolution. However, How Do You Think I Feel, released later that same year, showcased a different side of Presley. This ballad, produced by Steve Sholes, allowed Presley to express his vulnerability through a heartfelt plea to a lost love.
How Do You Think I Feel stands out from Presley’s earlier, high-octane releases. The song features a slower tempo and a more subdued instrumental arrangement, with a gentle guitar melody and prominent backing vocals. This creates a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s lyrical theme. The lyrics paint a picture of a heartbroken man, utterly dejected by the absence of his love interest. Lines like “The girl I’m mad about, Is just a gadabout” express a sense of betrayal and confusion. Presley delivers these lyrics with a sincerity that resonates deeply with listeners who have experienced similar heartache.
How Do You Think I Feel was a significant commercial success, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. This achievement demonstrated Presley’s ability to captivate audiences not only with his energetic performances but also with his emotional ballads. The song became a staple of his live shows, allowing him to connect with fans on a more personal level. Even today, How Do You Think I Feel remains a beloved classic in Presley’s extensive catalog, a testament to his versatility as a musician and his enduring impact on popular music. It serves as a reminder that beneath the charismatic rock and roll persona, Elvis Presley possessed a depth of emotion that allowed him to deliver powerful ballads that continue to resonate with listeners across generations.
Video:
Lyrics:
“How Do You Think I Feel”
How do you think I feel?
Well, I know your love’s not real
The girl I’m mad about is just a gadabout
How do you think I feel?How do you think we stand?
Well, I know you’ve made your plans
But you’ve included three
And that’s too much for me
How do you think I feel?I won’t be true again
I know that I can’t win
So why should I pretend
That you still love me?How do you think I feel?
Well, I know your love’s not real
The one I’m mad about is just a gadabout
How do you think I feel?How do you think I feel?
Well, I know your love’s not real
The girl I’m mad about is just a gadabout
How do you think I feel?Well, how do you think we stand?
I know you’ve made your plans
Another’s pretty face
Has put me out of place
How do you think I feel?I won’t be true again
I know that I can’t win
So why should I pretend
That you still love me?How do you think I feel?
Well, I know your love’s not real
And you’ve included three
And that’s too much for me
How do you think I feel?