Introduction:
“Give Me The Right” by Elvis Presley is a deep cut from his 1961 album Something for Everybody, a record that reflects the King of Rock and Roll’s evolving musical style. Written by Fred Wise and Norman Blagman, the song was recorded on March 12, 1961, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville. It was released later that year on May 19 as part of an album that showcased Presley’s versatility, moving beyond the rock and roll that had defined his earlier career.
This track leans into a ballad style, allowing Presley to showcase his smooth and emotive vocal delivery. Accompanied by legendary musicians like Hank Garland and Scotty Moore on guitar, Floyd Cramer on piano, and Boots Randolph on saxophone, the song’s relaxed tempo and rich instrumentation gave it a lush, laid-back feel. It reflects the period in which Presley was balancing his music career with his growing success in Hollywood films, as he increasingly explored a variety of musical genres to appeal to a wider audience.
Though it wasn’t a major commercial hit, “Give Me The Right” still holds significance in Presley’s discography, illustrating his ability to adapt and experiment with different styles during this period of his career. It’s a testament to his vocal prowess and his willingness to step outside the rock and roll box, expanding his influence across pop and ballad genres.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Give Me The Right”
Give me the right
To hold you tonight
The tears that I’ve cried over you
Give me the rightYou can’t say no
When I need you so
I want you back in my arms
Give me the rightIf you looked deep in your heart
Like I looked into mine
You’ll find that nothing has changed
Our love was there all the timeWhy make me plead
For something you need
I want to bring back the thrill
Give me the right
Give me the right