Elvis Presley – There’s Gold In The Mountains

Introduction:

Alright, folks, gather ’round and let’s take a trip back to 1964. This was a pivotal year in American music. The Beatles were taking the world by storm with their brand of British Invasion rock and roll, but here in the States, a different king still held the crown: the one and only Elvis Presley. Now, Elvis’ career had taken a bit of a detour in the early 60s. After dominating the music scene in the late 50s with his electrifying rockabilly sound, he found himself churning out soundtracks for a string of Hollywood movies. These films weren’t exactly critical darlings, but they kept Elvis’ name and face out there.

One such film was Kissin’ Cousins, a slapstick comedy released in 1964. While the movie itself wasn’t much to write home about, it did offer up a soundtrack packed with some hidden gems. Today, we’re going to delve into one of those gems: a song titled There’s Gold In The Mountains.

There’s Gold In The Mountains isn’t your typical Elvis stomper. It’s a much more laid-back affair, a prime example of the country and western influences that were always bubbling beneath the surface of Elvis’ music. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, steeped in the sounds of the American South. Even during his rock and roll heyday, he occasionally dipped his toes into country music, with hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” showcasing those twangy roots.

For There’s Gold In The Mountains, Elvis is backed by a stellar group of Nashville session musicians, including the legendary Grady Martin and Scotty Moore on guitars, and Floyd Cramer on piano. These guys knew how to cook up a classic country sound, and their work here is simply top-notch. The song itself is credited to songwriting trio Bill Giant, Bernie Baum, and Florence Kaye, who were responsible for a number of Elvis’ movie tunes.

There’s Gold In The Mountains may not have been a chart-topping hit, but it holds a special place in the hearts of many Elvis fans. It’s a reminder of the King’s versatility, his ability to seamlessly transition between rock and roll and country. It’s a feel-good tune, a slice of Americana with a healthy dose of Elvis charm. So, put on your blue suede shoes, grab your Stetson hat, and let’s take a listen to the hidden treasure that is There’s Gold In The Mountains.

Video:

Lyrics:

“There’s Gold In The Mountains”
(from “Kissin’ Cousins” soundtrack)

There are lots of girls in the mountains
And they’re worth their weight in gold
When they’re in my arms with their lovin’ charms
A treasure chest I holdWell there’s gold in the mountains, love in the hills
I don’t need no city women with their diamonds and frills
There’s gold in the mountains and oh what scenery
The prettiest girls I ever did see

There’s such beauty there in the mountains
You can feel your knees growin’ weak
Every single boy feels the height of joy
When he climbs that mountain peak

Well there’s gold in the mountains, love in the hills
I don’t need no city women with their diamonds and frills
There’s gold in the mountains and oh what scenery
The prettiest girls I ever did see

I said there’s gold in the mountains, love in the hills
I don’t need no city women with their diamonds and frills
There’s gold in the mountains and oh what scenery
The prettiest girls I ever did see
I ever did see
I ever did see