Elvis Presley – You Better Run

Introduction:

“You Better Run” is a traditional gospel song that was arranged and performed by Elvis Presley during an informal gospel session in 1972. This track was part of a recording filmed for the documentary Elvis On Tour. The song showcases Elvis’ deep connection to gospel music, which played a significant role in his musical upbringing and career. The session took place at RCA’s Studio C in Hollywood, with Elvis being accompanied by guitarist James Burton, as well as backing vocals from J.D. Sumner and The Stamps Quartet, contributing to the powerful gospel atmosphere of the performance.

The song itself conveys a message of urgency, repentance, and spiritual reflection. It features repeated warnings to “run” from sin, echoing the biblical themes of salvation and judgment. Elvis’ version of “You Better Run” was later included in several of his gospel compilations, including Amazing Grace and Peace In The Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings.

Gospel music was a core influence for Elvis, and his passion for this genre is evident in the soulful intensity of his performance. He often turned to gospel as a source of personal and artistic expression, making “You Better Run” a testament to his versatility and heartfelt connection to the spiritual music tradition.

Video:

Lyrics:

“You Better Run”

(Well now you’d better run)
Run when I say, somebody’s calling you
You’d better run
Run when I say, (somebody’s calling you)
You’d better run
Run when I say, (somebody’s calling you)
I feel like my time has long gone
Long gone, (my time is long gone)Well now goodbye false pretender
Lord I cannot wait for you
For the bible declares you’re goin’ to heaven Lord
What the bible declares you do

(Well now you’d better run)
Run when I say, somebody’s calling you
You’d better run
Run when I say, (somebody’s calling you)
You’d better run
Run when I say, (somebody’s calling you)
I feel like my time has long gone
Long gone, (my time is long gone)
Long gone

Well I met a false pretender
Whose head was bending Lord
I met him in the evening
He was headed down that long lonesome road

(Well now you’d better run)
Run when I say, somebody’s calling you
You’d better run
Run when I say, (somebody’s calling you)
You’d better run
Get away from here, somebody’s calling you
I feel like my time has long gone
Long gone, (my time is long gone), long gone