Elvis Presley – Stranger In My Own Home Town

Introduction:

“Stranger in My Own Home Town” is a blues song performed by Elvis Presley, originally written by Percy Mayfield. The song was recorded on February 17, 1969, at the American Sound Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. It is a part of the album “Back in Memphis,” which was released on October 1, 1970, as a companion LP to “From Elvis in Memphis.” This period marked a significant phase in Elvis’s career, characterized by his return to recording in Memphis, where he sought to reconnect with his roots and the raw, emotional intensity of his earlier work.

The song is set in the blues and rock genre, reflecting a raw and soulful sound that highlights Elvis’s versatile vocal range and deep emotional expression. “Stranger in My Own Home Town” showcases a blend of blues, rock, and soul influences, driven by powerful instrumentation, including guitars, bass, drums, piano, organ, horns, and a background vocal ensemble. The track features prominent musicians such as Reggie Young on guitar, Tommy Cogbill on bass, and Gene Chrisman on drums, along with a horn section led by R.F. Taylor and Wayne Jackson.

“Stranger in My Own Home Town” did not receive significant commercial success as a standalone single, but it has been widely recognized for its raw energy and emotional depth. The song captures a sense of alienation and introspection, resonating with listeners who identify with feelings of displacement or change in one’s familiar surroundings. The track’s gritty blues style and personal lyrics also contributed to its enduring appeal among fans and music critics, helping to solidify Elvis’s image as a versatile and emotionally compelling artist during this period of his career​.

The song remains a standout example of Elvis’s ability to interpret and deliver blues music with a unique style and intensity, blending traditional influences with his own dynamic sound. Today, “Stranger in My Own Home Town” is regarded as a testament to Elvis’s artistic evolution and his efforts to explore more mature and reflective themes in his music.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Stranger In My Own Home Town”

I’m like a stranger
Like a stranger in my own home town
I’m like a stranger
Like a stranger in my own home townMy so called friends stopped being friendly
Oh but you can’t keep a good man down
Oh no, can’t get him down

I came home with good intentions
About 5 or 6 years ago
I came home with good intentions
About 5 or 6 years ago

But my home town won’t accept me
Just don’t feel welcome here no more

My home town won’t accept me
Just don’t feel welcome here no more

I came home with good intentions
About 5 or 6 years ago, yes I did
I came home with good intentions
About 5 or 6 years ago
But my home town won’t accept me
Just don’t feel welcome here no more
I’m like a stranger, like a stranger in my own home town
Yeah, I’m like a stranger, like a stranger in my own home town
My so called friends stopped being friendly
Oh but you can’t keep a good man down

I came home with good intentions
About 5 or 6 years ago, yes I did
I came home with good intentions
About 5 or 6 years ago
My so called friends stopped being friendly
Oh but you can’t keep a good man down

I’m like a stranger, like a stranger in my own home town
I’m like a stranger, like a stranger in my own home town
My so called friends stopped being friendly
Oh but you can’t keep a good man down