Elvis Presley – It’s Easy For You

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “It’s Easy For You”. Released in 1977, this contemplative ballad marked the closing track on his final studio album, Moody Blue. Now, Elvis needs no introduction – the King of Rock and Roll, a cultural icon whose electrifying performances and smooth vocals redefined American music in the mid-20th century. But by 1977, the landscape had shifted. The energetic rockabilly that launched his career had given way to a more introspective sound, reflecting perhaps on the pressures of fame and the relentless demands of a career spent in the spotlight.

Moody Blue itself was a departure. Recorded at Graceland, his Memphis mansion, in the intimate confines of the Jungle Room, the album showcased a stripped-down, raw Elvis. Gone were the elaborate orchestral arrangements of some earlier works. Here, the focus was on his voice, accompanied by a tight group of session musicians. This intimacy is particularly palpable in “It’s Easy For You”. The producer, Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator, understood the emotional weight Elvis wanted to convey and crafted a soundscape that served as the perfect foil for the singer’s nuanced performance.

The song itself is a fascinating anomaly in Presley’s catalog. Credited to the songwriting team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, the same duo behind the theatrical extravaganza Jesus Christ Superstar, it stands in stark contrast to the rock and roll and gospel influences that dominated much of his career. “It’s Easy For You” is a ballad, plain and simple, with a melancholic piano melody and a gentle orchestral arrangement that swells subtly in the background.

There’s a weariness in Elvis’s voice here, a world of experience etched into his phrasing. He doesn’t shout or growl; instead, he delivers the lyrics with a quiet intensity, a man reflecting on the burdens he carries unseen. The lyrics themselves paint a picture of someone observing another, seemingly carefree, individual. The singer expresses a longing for that perceived ease, a freedom from the weight of responsibility and expectation.

“It’s Easy For You” wasn’t a chart-topping hit, but it holds a special place within Elvis’s discography. It’s a poignant glimpse into the soul of a superstar, a man grappling with the complexities of fame and the yearning for a simpler life. It’s a testament to Presley’s versatility as a vocalist, his ability to deliver a powerful message with a mere whisper. And for those who appreciate the later, more introspective phase of his career, “It’s Easy For You” stands as a powerful and unforgettable ballad.

Video:

Lyrics:

“It’s Easy For You”