Introduction:
Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, wasn’t known for shying away from the spotlight. But by 1970, his career had entered a new chapter. The electrifying performances of his early years had transitioned into a more polished Las Vegas residency. This shift, however, didn’t mean a decline in artistic exploration. In fact, it’s during this period that Elvis embraced a song that would become a cornerstone of his later career: I Just Can’t Help Believin’.
Originally written by songwriting duo Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, “I Just Can’t Help Believin'” was a hit for B.J. Thomas in 1970, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s uplifting message of faith and perseverance resonated with audiences, and its powerful melody offered a platform for an impassioned vocal delivery. Elvis, ever the astute interpreter of popular music, recognized the song’s potential.
While Elvis never released “I Just Can’t Help Believin'” as a single in the United States, his powerful live renditions during his 1970 Las Vegas engagement cemented the song’s place in his repertoire. These performances, often brimming with emotional intensity, showcased a new facet of Elvis – a mature artist capable of delivering a heartfelt ballad with the same conviction he brought to his rock and roll classics.
The specific live version of “I Just Can’t Help Believin'” from 1970 that has captured the imagination of fans is shrouded in a bit of mystery. The song’s inclusion in the documentary film Elvis: That’s the Way It Is plays a significant role in this. The film, released in 1970, documented Elvis’s return to live performance after a seven-year hiatus from touring. It captured not only the electrifying energy of his concerts but also the behind-the-scenes struggles and personal growth that fueled his artistic revival.
A key scene in the film features Elvis rehearsing “I Just Can’t Help Believin'” for the first time. The raw emotion and vulnerability he displays while struggling to remember the lyrics resonates with viewers. However, the final version of the song included in the film wasn’t actually taken from this rehearsal. Instead, it was a performance from a later show, meticulously edited to create a more polished product.
This decision by the filmmakers, while creating a more “finished” presentation, sparked debate among fans. Many believe the raw energy of the rehearsal version would have been a more fitting inclusion in the film. Regardless of which version is considered definitive, Elvis’s live renditions of “I Just Can’t Help Believin'” in 1970 stand as a testament to his enduring charisma and his willingness to embrace new musical territory. The song transcended its original pop success, becoming a signature Elvis Presley performance, showcasing his artistry and captivating audiences for years to come.
Video:
Lyrics:
I Just Can’t Help Believin’
(from “That’s The Way It Is” soundtrack)I just can’t help believin’
When she smiles up soft and gentle
With a trace of misty morning
And the promise of tomorrow in her eyes
I just can’t help believin’
When she’s lying close beside me
And my heart beats with the rhythm of her sighs
This time the girl is gonna stay
This time the girl is gonna stay
For more than just a day
Oh, I just can’t help believin’
When she slips her hand in my hand
And it feels so small and helpless
As my fingers fold around it like a glove
I just can’t help believin’
When she’s whispering her magic
And her tears are shining honey sweet with love
This time the girl is gonna stay
This time the girl is gonna stay
For more than just a day
For more than just a day