Introduction:
Carried by the smooth sounds of Nashville and tinged with a touch of heartbreak, Elvis Presley’s “It’s A Sin” entered the world in 1961. While the King of Rock and Roll was captivating audiences with his electrifying stage presence and rhythm and blues-infused hits, “It’s A Sin” showcased a different side of Elvis. This song leaned towards the genre of country music, a genre that heavily influenced his early career.
Composed by the songwriting duo of Zeb Turner and Fred Rose, “It’s A Sin” was originally released by country singer Eddy Arnold in 1947. However, Elvis’s rendition, recorded during a session at RCA’s Nashville studios on March 12, 1961, breathed new life into the ballad. The song’s producer, the legendary Chet Atkins, known for his work with artists like Perry Como and the Everly Brothers, played a crucial role in shaping the final product.
While “It’s A Sin” didn’t achieve the chart-topping success of Elvis’s more rock-driven hits, it resonated with fans who appreciated his versatility. The song became a staple on his live setlists, particularly during his early 1960s shows in Las Vegas. Elvis’s powerful vocals delivered the emotional weight of the lyrics, portraying a man grappling with a love deemed forbidden.
The core of “It’s A Sin” revolves around a love that can’t be. The narrator, presumably Elvis himself, expresses his intense feelings for a woman he knows he can’t have. The song explores the internal conflict between passionate love and societal constraints. The title itself, “It’s A Sin”, hints at the forbidden nature of this connection. The lyrics delve deeper into this theme, highlighting the narrator’s internal struggle as he acknowledges the impossibility of their love and the pain of separation.
Despite not being a chart-topping hit, “It’s A Sin” remains a significant piece within Elvis Presley’s vast discography. It showcases his ability to excel in genres beyond rock and roll, captivating audiences with his soulful delivery and emotional vulnerability. The song serves as a reminder of Elvis’s early country music roots and his willingness to explore different musical styles.
Video:
Lyrics:
“It’s A Sin”
It’s a sin, my darling, how I love you
Because I know our love could never be
It’s a sin to keep this memory of you
When silence proves that you’ve forgotten meThe dreams I built for us has tumbled
Each promise broken like my heart
It’s a sin, my darling, how I love you
So much in love and yet so far apartI’m sure you’re happy with another
Who shares the love I could not win
Why pretend that I can live without you
When deep inside I know that it’s a sin