Introduction:
“Milky White Way,” performed by Elvis Presley, is a gospel song that showcases the King’s deep-rooted love for gospel music. This track was released in 1960 as part of Elvis’s first full-length gospel album, “His Hand in Mine.” The album marked a significant departure from Presley’s rock and roll sound, revealing his spiritual side and deep connection to gospel music—a genre that had influenced him from a young age. Gospel was always close to Elvis’s heart, and “His Hand in Mine” allowed him to share that passion with his fans.
Originally written and first recorded by The Trumpeteers, an American gospel group, in the 1940s, “Milky White Way” was a song with a soulful melody and profound spiritual lyrics. Presley’s version brought a unique blend of his signature vocal style with a more intimate and reverent approach. It falls under the genre of gospel music but bears the unmistakable stylistic marks of Elvis’s versatile voice, which could transition smoothly between different musical forms. His rendition was praised for its sincerity and emotional depth, capturing the essence of the gospel tradition while still appealing to a broader audience.
“His Hand in Mine” was released on November 10, 1960, by RCA Victor, and “Milky White Way” quickly became a standout track. The album itself achieved considerable success, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Top LPs chart. Over time, it achieved Platinum status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), reflecting its enduring popularity. The song, along with others on the album, solidified Elvis’s status as a versatile artist capable of crossing over between secular and sacred music, something relatively uncommon in mainstream popular music at that time.
“Milky White Way” and its parent album were significant in bridging the gap between traditional gospel audiences and the mainstream pop and rock listeners who followed Presley’s career. This track and its inclusion on a successful album highlighted the King of Rock and Roll’s ability to take risks and explore various facets of American music, contributing to his lasting legacy in multiple genres.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Milky White Way”
Yes I’m gonna walk on the milky white way
Oh Lord some of these days
I’m gonna walk that milky white way
Some of these days well well well well
I’m gonna walk up and take my stand
Gonna join that Christian band
I’m gonna walk on that milky white way
Oh Lord, some of these daysI’m gonna tell my mother howdy, howdy,
Howdy when I get home
Yes, I’m gonna tell my mother howdy,
When I get home well well well well
I’m gonna shake my mother’s hand
I will shake her hands that day
That’s when we walk on the milky white way
On some of these daysI’m gonna meet god the father and god the son
Yes, I’m gonna meet god the father and god the son
Well well well well
I’m gonna sit down and tell Him my troubles
About the world that I just came from
That’s when we walk on the milky white way
Oh Lord, on some of these days