If You Don’t Come Back – Elvis Presley

Introduction:

“If You Don’t Come Back” by Elvis Presley was recorded during the famous Stax Sessions in Memphis in July 1973. This track features the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who had previously penned some of Elvis’ biggest hits in the 1950s. It was included on the Raised on Rock / For Ol’ Times Sake album, released in October 1973.

The Stax Sessions were an important period in Elvis’ career, marking a return to his Memphis roots. “If You Don’t Come Back” showcases Elvis blending his rock and roll style with a soulful, rhythm and blues sound. The recording captures a mature Elvis, reflecting the challenges and experiences of his later career. The song did not achieve the commercial success of some of his earlier hits, but it remains a standout from the Stax Sessions for its raw energy and emotional depth.

The album Raised on Rock itself was somewhat polarizing, with critics noting its shorter length and inconsistency, but it holds a special place in Elvis’ discography as it came shortly after the highly successful Aloha from Hawaii concert. While “If You Don’t Come Back” might not be as widely recognized as some of his other works, it represents an era where Elvis was experimenting with new sounds and reaffirming his connection to his musical roots.

Video:

Lyrics:

“If You Don’t Come Back”

Woke up early in the morning
What did the poor boy find?
Well, the car was gone and you were gone
And I almost lost my mindIf you don’t come back
(If you don’t come back)
Yeah, if you don’t come back today
(If you don’t come back today)
You can call up the people at the crazy house
And take this crazy man away

Threw himself up against a stone wall
He tore his clothes at us all
Well, I ran out on the street in my stockinged feet
Tell the police I’ve been robbed

If you don’t come back
(If you don’t come back)
Yeah, if you don’t come back today
(If you don’t come back today)
You can tell all the people at the crazy house
To take this crazy man away

Mrs. Brown’s been talking about me
To the people across the street
She said, “I cooked that boy a bucket of stew
But the poor thing just won’t eat”

If you don’t come back
(If you don’t come back)
Ooh, if you don’t come back today
(If you don’t come back today)
You can call up the people at the crazy house
And take this crazy man away