Introduction:
“I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago” is a traditional folk song that Elvis Presley adapted and recorded on June 4, 1970, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville. This recording session was part of a prolific period for Presley, during which he explored various musical genres, including country, gospel, and rock. The song was first released in segments interspersed between tracks on his 1971 album “Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old)” and later in its entirety on the 1972 album “Elvis Now.”
“Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old)” was released on January 7, 1971, and is considered one of Presley’s most cohesive concept albums. The album features a collection of country songs, with snippets of “I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago” serving as interludes between tracks, creating a unifying theme throughout the record. This innovative approach was well-received, and the album reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and number six in the United Kingdom, selling over one million copies worldwide. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on December 1, 1977.
The song itself is a lively, upbeat tune that showcases Presley’s versatility and his ability to infuse traditional material with his unique style. Its lyrics humorously recount various historical and biblical events, with the narrator claiming to have witnessed them all, emphasizing a sense of timelessness and omnipresence. This aligns with the album’s subtitle, “I’m 10,000 Years Old,” suggesting a deep connection to the roots of country and folk music.
Musically, “I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago” falls within the country genre but also incorporates elements of gospel and rock, reflecting Presley’s diverse musical influences. The recording features prominent guitar work by James Burton and Chip Young, bass by Norbert Putnam, drums by Jerry Carrigan, piano by David Briggs, and organ and harmonica by Charlie McCoy. The energetic performance and tight instrumentation highlight the collaborative effort of Presley and his band during this productive period.
While “I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago” was not released as a single and did not achieve individual chart success, its role within the “Elvis Country” album contributes to the record’s acclaim as one of Presley’s most artistically significant works. The album’s innovative structure and Presley’s passionate performances have led critics to regard it as a highlight of his post-1960s career, showcasing his enduring connection to country music and his ability to reinterpret traditional songs with a contemporary flair.
In summary, “I Was Born About Ten Thousand Years Ago” exemplifies Elvis Presley’s skill in adapting traditional material and integrating it into a modern album format. Its inclusion in “Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old)” serves both as a musical bridge between tracks and as a thematic statement, reinforcing Presley’s deep-rooted connection to the history and evolution of American music.