Elvis Presley – The Girl of My Best Friend

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “The Girl of My Best Friend”. Released in 1960, this tune is a prime example of Elvis’s versatility as a vocalist and the evolving sound of American music at the dawn of a new decade. While the King was already a rock and roll icon by this point, “The Girl of My Best Friend” dips its toes into a smoother, more ballad-driven style.

Composed by the songwriting duo of Beverly Ross and Sam Bobrick, the song had already seen a couple of B-side releases before landing in Elvis’s capable hands. Recorded at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee on April 4th, 1960, the track became part of his iconic comeback album, Elvis Is Back!. This project marked Elvis’s return to music after a two-year stint in the US Army, and it proved a resounding success, reaching number two on the Billboard Top LPs chart.

Now, back to “The Girl of My Best Friend.” The song presents a classic – and perhaps a tad melodramatic – tale of unrequited love. The narrator, sung with Presley’s signature blend of charisma and vulnerability, is smitten with the girlfriend of his close friend. The lyrics explore the internal conflict of this forbidden affection. The protagonist is captivated by the girl’s beauty and charm (“The way she walks, The way she talks / How long can I pretend”), yet the moral dilemma of betraying his friend keeps him from confessing his feelings (“I want to tell her / How I love her so / And hold her in my arms, but then / What if she got real mad and told him so”).

This internal struggle is where Elvis truly shines. His voice, both powerful and nuanced, conveys the protagonist’s yearning and torment. The backing instrumentation, courtesy of Elvis’s longtime collaborators, The Jordanaires, adds a layer of melancholic elegance with their smooth harmonies. The arrangement, overseen by producer Chet Atkins, keeps things tasteful and allows Elvis’s vocals to take center stage.

While “The Girl of My Best Friend” wasn’t a chart-topping single for Presley in the US, it did find surprising success across the pond, peaking at number nine in the UK Singles Chart in 1976, a testament to the song’s enduring appeal. Though not a rock and roll rager, “The Girl of My Best Friend” showcases another facet of Elvis’s artistry. It’s a captivating ballad that explores a relatable theme of forbidden love, all delivered with the King’s signature charm and vocal prowess. So, put on your blue suede shoes, grab a metaphorical milkshake, and prepare to be swept away by a classic tale of love, friendship, and heartbreak sung by the one and only Elvis Presley.

Video:

Lyrics:

“The Girl Of My Best Friend”