Introduction:
Where Do You Come From, released in 1962, is a departure from the high-octane rock and roll that propelled Elvis Presley to superstardom in the late 1950s. Produced by RCA Victor, the song appeared on the soundtrack for the film Girls! Girls! Girls!, a musical comedy featuring Presley in a starring role. While the film itself was commercially successful, the soundtrack achieved modest sales compared to Presley’s previous releases.
Where Do You Come From stands out for showcasing a different side of Presley’s musical persona. Unlike the energetic rockers that dominated the early part of his career, Where Do You Come From is a ballad, featuring a slower tempo and a more introspective mood. The backing track is built around a gentle piano melody, punctuated by tasteful drumming and subtle string arrangements. Presley’s vocals convey a sense of longing and vulnerability, a contrast to the confident and charismatic delivery that had become his trademark.
Thematically, Where Do You Come From focuses on the singer’s fascination with a mysterious woman. The lyrics, penned by songwriting duo Bruce Roberts and Ruth Batchelor, express his curiosity about her origins and her enigmatic nature. Lines like “Where do you come from? Tell me who you are” and “Are you what you seem?” capture this sense of intrigue.
Where Do You Come From may not be one of Presley’s most commercially successful songs, but it holds a certain significance within his broader career. It demonstrates his willingness to explore different musical styles and portray a wider range of emotions. The song’s ballad format offered a welcome contrast to the uptempo rockers that dominated his early work, and hinted at the artistic growth that Presley would continue to exhibit throughout his career. While not a chart-topper, Where Do You Come From remains an interesting track for fans who appreciate Presley’s versatility and his ability to deliver a powerful performance even in a more subdued setting.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Where Do You Come From”
(from “Girls! Girls! Girls!” soundtrack)Where do you come from?
Tell me who you are
Do you come from another world
Or from some distant star?Where do you come from?
Are you what you seem?
Are you real,
Are you standing there,
Or is it just a dream?Tell me more about yourself
Do you feel the way I feel?
Are you just a vision,
Or are you really real?Where do you come from?
Angel won’t you say?
Tell me all that there is to know
And tell me that you’ll stay.