Introduction:
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “It’s a Sin” was recorded on March 12, 1961, during sessions for his album Something for Everybody. Originally written by Fred Rose and Zeb Turner, the song had roots in traditional country music and was first popularized by Eddy Arnold. Presley’s version brought a nuanced, soulful tone to the track, contrasting the earlier interpretations with a smoother vocal delivery that fit well within his early 1960s stylistic shift. This album, released in 1961, showcased Elvis’s versatility as he moved between pop ballads and deeper, heartfelt tunes, marking a distinct period in his post-Army career.
In recording “It’s a Sin,” Presley was supported by a skilled lineup of session musicians, including Hank Garland on guitar, Bob Moore on bass, and D.J. Fontana on drums, along with notable background vocals from the Jordanaires. The production took place at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville, where Presley was actively developing his sound beyond rock and roll into more balladic, mainstream styles that allowed him to connect with a broader audience. The Something for Everybody album, while less commercially monumental than his early rock hits, still showcased Presley’s versatility and solidified his position in the pop and adult contemporary markets.
Critics and fans often see Something for Everybody as a balanced album that includes heartfelt performances like “It’s a Sin,” even if some listeners consider the track slightly subdued compared to his earlier, more energetic material. Nonetheless, Elvis’s take on “It’s a Sin” remains a testament to his interpretive skill and capacity to breathe new life into classic country songs during a transformative period in his career.
Video:
Lyrics:
“It’s A Sin”
It’s a sin, my darling, how I love you
Because I know our love could never be
It’s a sin to keep this memory of you
When silence proves that you’ve forgotten meThe dreams I built for us has tumbled
Each promise broken like my heart
It’s a sin, my darling, how I love you
So much in love and yet so far apartI’m sure you’re happy with another
Who shares the love I could not win
Why pretend that I can live without you
When deep inside I know that it’s a sin