Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming”. Released in 1975 on the album Promised Land, this track offers a fascinating glimpse into a period of Presley’s career often overshadowed by his explosive rise to fame in the 1950s. While the King’s early years were characterized by electrifying rockabilly and undeniable charisma, the mid-70s found him exploring a more mature sound, one steeped in gospel and soulful influences.
“Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming” isn’t a chart-topping smash hit, but for Presley devotees, it holds a special significance. It showcases a seasoned performer, his voice still possessing a captivating richness, but now imbued with a depth of lived experience. The song itself, penned by songwriter Rory Michael Bourke, perfectly complements this evolution. It’s a gospel-tinged ballad, a patient and heartfelt plea for love’s arrival.
The production, overseen by Felton Jarvis, deserves mention as well. Jarvis, a longtime collaborator with Presley, understood the artist’s strengths and weaknesses. Here, he creates a tasteful backdrop, one that allows Presley’s vocals to take center stage. The arrangement is sparse, relying on piano, drums, and gentle backing vocals – a far cry from the bombastic productions of Presley’s earlier days. This minimalist approach underscores the song’s emotional core, the yearning for a love that feels preordained.
“Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming” doesn’t boast the swagger of “Hound Dog” or the raw energy of “Jailhouse Rock.” Instead, it offers a different kind of power – the quiet resilience of a man who has seen it all, yet still holds out hope for something more. It’s a testament to Presley’s versatility as a performer, his ability to captivate audiences not just with youthful exuberance, but also with the wisdom and vulnerability that come with experience. The song may not have been a blockbuster, but for those who appreciate the full scope of Presley’s artistry, it stands as a gem, a powerful ballad that speaks to the universal longing for connection and fulfillment.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming”
The first time I held you, your soft lips and blue eyes
Were as far as my eyes could see
Yes here in my arms I knew I had found the reason that I’m living for
And I felt the feeling, such a wonderful feeling
That I’d never felt before
Baby, you’re love’s been a long time coming
Baby your love’s got a hold on me
Baby your love’s sure got me humming
Baby your love’s been a long time coming
Deep in my heart there’s a feeling I never knew
Until I saw a love that was very new
I’m gonna tell everyone what good love can do
Baby, you’re love’s been a long time coming
Baby your love’s got a hold on me
Baby your love’s sure got me humming
Baby your love’s been a long time coming
Baby, you’re love’s been a long time coming
Baby your love’s got a hold on me