Elvis Presley – If You Talk In Your Sleep

Introduction:

In 1974, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, released a song that offered a more intimate look into his personal life. “If You Talk In Your Sleep” wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit, but it became a fan favorite for its blend of vulnerability and masculine bravado. The song, featured on Presley’s 1975 album Promised Land, showcased the songwriting talents of Red West and Johnny Christopher, a duo who had previously penned Elvis classics like “Mama Liked the Roses” and the heart-wrenching ballad “Always On My Mind.”

While much of Presley’s music during this period leaned towards the soulful Southern rock sound, “If You Talk In Your Sleep” took a slightly different approach. Backed by the soulful harmonies of J.D. Sumner and The Stamps, the song has a mid-tempo country feel, with a prominent rhythm section and Elvis’ signature smooth vocals taking center stage. The producer, Felton Jarvis, known for his work with Presley throughout the 70s, ensured the track maintained a polished yet raw energy, reflecting the emotional weight of the lyrics.

“If You Talk In Your Sleep” delves into the complexities of a love triangle. The narrator, a presumably confident man deeply in love with a woman, wrestles with insecurities as he suspects she might be harboring feelings for someone else. The song’s title becomes a metaphor for the woman’s potential infidelity, with the narrator hoping to glean the truth from her unconscious ramblings. Elvis delivers the lyrics with a mix of tenderness and possessiveness, creating a tension that resonates with listeners who have ever grappled with jealousy or doubt in a relationship.

Though not a commercial juggernaut, “If You Talk In Your Sleep” holds a special place in the hearts of many Elvis fans. It offers a glimpse into the emotional landscape of the King himself, showcasing a vulnerability not often seen in his earlier, more brash persona. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Presley’s ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, even through a song that explores a complex and sometimes uncomfortable subject. Whether consumed by die-hard Elvis enthusiasts or casual listeners, “If You Talk In Your Sleep” provides a captivating window into the inner world of a musical icon.

Video:

Lyrics:

“If You Talk In Your Sleep”

I know you’re a lonely woman and I love you
But someone else is waiting and he owns you
If he should ever wake up, make sure that your story is straight love
If you talk in your sleep don’t mention my name
And if you walk in your sleep forget where you came

Walking every night here in the shadows
So afraid that sometime he may follow
There’s always the chance he’ll find us
I don’t need to remind you
If you talk in your sleep don’t mention my name
If you walk in your sleep forget where you came

Love is so much sweeter when it’s borrowed
I’ll feel a little easier tomorrow
Don’t give our secret away, be careful what you say
If you talk in your sleep don’t mention my name
If you walk in your sleep forget where you came

Forget where you came, now
Forget where you came
Don’t mention my name
Don’t mention my name
Forget where you came