Introduction:
In 1960, a young Elvis Presley returned to the music scene after a successful stint in the U.S. Army. His comeback album, aptly titled Elvis Is Back!, showcased his continued evolution as a vocalist and entertainer. Among the album’s standout tracks was a song that explored the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and forbidden love: “The Girl of My Best Friend.”
Composed by songwriting duo Beverly Ross and Sam Bobrick, “The Girl of My Best Friend” belonged to the genre of pop rock, a burgeoning style that blended the infectious energy of rock and roll with the melodic sensibilities of popular music. While Elvis had previously dabbled in rock and roll ballads, “The Girl of My Best Friend” marked a shift towards a more introspective and emotionally nuanced sound.
The song’s production was overseen by Chet Atkins, a legendary record producer at RCA Records who had a long and fruitful collaboration with Elvis. Atkins’ signature touch is evident in the song’s arrangement, which features a prominent rhythm section alongside Elvis’ powerful vocals. The backing vocals by The Jordanaires, a popular vocal group known for their smooth harmonies, add a layer of depth and texture to the track.
“The Girl of My Best Friend” tells the story of a man wrestling with his feelings for the girlfriend of his best friend. The lyrics, though not explicitly stated in the song, paint a picture of the protagonist’s internal conflict. He’s captivated by the girl’s beauty and charm (“The way she walks, The way she talks”), but loyalty to his friend keeps him from confessing his love (“I want to tell her How I love her so / And hold her in my arms”). This emotional turmoil is further emphasized by the repeated refrain: “Oh, I can’t help I’m in love / With the girl of my best friend.”
While “The Girl of My Best Friend” wasn’t a chart-topping hit in the United States upon its release, it gained significant popularity in the UK, peaking at number nine on the singles chart in 1976, sixteen years after its initial release. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable theme of unrequited love and the emotional complexities of navigating close friendships. “The Girl of My Best Friend” has also been covered by numerous artists over the years, a testament to its lasting impact on popular music.
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Lyrics:
The way she walksThe way she talksHow long can I pretendOh I can’t help it, I’m in lovewith the girl of my best friendHer lovely hairHer skin so fairI could go on and never endOh I can’t help it, I’m in loveWith the girl of my best friendI want to tell her how I love her soAnd then hold her in my arms but thenWhat if she got real mad and told him soI could never face either one againoh the way they kissTheir happinessWill my aching heart ever mendOr will I always be in loveWith the girl of my best friendNever endWill it ever endPlease let it endWill it ever end