Introduction:
While Elvis Presley is best known for his electrifying rock and roll performances and iconic hip-shaking moves, his musical repertoire also encompassed a surprising tenderness. One such example is the melancholic ballad “Suppose”, released in 1967. This song showcases a different side of The King, one grappling with themes of love, loss, and the fragility of existence.
“Suppose” was recorded during the sessions for the soundtrack of the film “Speedway”, a lighthearted romantic comedy starring Presley alongside Nancy Sinatra. Despite the film’s comedic tone, “Suppose” stands out as a more introspective moment, a poignant reflection on the importance of love in a seemingly indifferent world. The song was not credited with a specific producer, as Presley soundtracks were overseen by a team at RCA Records.
While not a chart-topping hit, “Suppose” has garnered a dedicated following among Presley fans. It is often cited as a hidden gem or an underrated track, praised for its raw vulnerability and emotional delivery. The song’s melancholic tone is accentuated by the use of a harmonica, played by the renowned session musician Charlie McCoy. Mccoy, a frequent collaborator on Presley recordings, adds a bluesy texture that complements Presley’s expressive vocals.
The lyrics of “Suppose” paint a vivid picture of a world devoid of beauty and wonder, a place where nature has ceased to function and life itself loses its meaning. The singer contemplates the absence of natural phenomena like blooming roses, flowing streams, and twinkling stars. He ponders a world without the joy of springtime or the resilience of nature. Yet, all these bleak scenarios pale in comparison to the true source of his despair: the absence of his lover’s affection.
The refrain, “Suppose you didn’t love me”, becomes the central heart-wrenching question. The thought of a life without love is far more unbearable than any other imaginable hardship. “Suppose” thus transcends the realm of a love song, transforming into a meditation on the importance of human connection and the devastating impact of loneliness.
“Suppose” stands as a testament to Presley’s versatility as a musician. While he is undeniably the King of Rock and Roll, this song showcases his ability to deliver a heartfelt ballad with genuine vulnerability. It remains a favorite among fans who appreciate the King’s deeper emotional range.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Suppose”
(from “Speedway” soundtrack)Suppose no rose would ever grow again
Suppose no brook would ever flow again
Suppose no star should ever glow again
Suppose you didn’t love meSuppose there were no bees or butterflies
Suppose no bird should ever cross the skies
Suppose the sun should never never rise
Suppose you didn’t love meIt’s impossible to imagine a world without a star
But imagining no you is more impossible, by far
Suppose the Springtime never should arrive
Suppose the tall green trees should not survive
Suppose I had no wish to be alive
Suppose you didn’t love meIt’s impossible to imagine a world without a star
But imagining no you is more impossible, by far
Suppose the Springtime never should arrive
Suppose the tall green trees should not survive
Suppose I had no wish to be alive
Suppose you didn’t love me
Suppose you didn’t love me