Introduction:
“I’ve Lost You” is a heartfelt ballad recorded by Elvis Presley in 1970. Originally written by British songwriters Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, it was first released by British artist Iain Matthews before becoming part of Presley’s repertoire. The song is featured on the album That’s the Way It Is, which blends studio recordings with live performances, showcasing Elvis during his Las Vegas residency at the International Hotel.
Recorded on June 4, 1970, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, “I’ve Lost You” features a lush arrangement with contributions from top session musicians of the era. These include James Burton on guitar, Ronnie Tutt on drums, and Glen D. Hardin on piano, complemented by backing vocals from The Sweet Inspirations and The Imperials. The poignant lyrics, reflecting on the dissolution of a relationship, resonated with Elvis personally as he navigated challenges in his marriage to Priscilla Presley during that period.
Released as a single on July 14, 1970, the song peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to number nine on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating its international appeal. Elvis also performed the track during his live shows, with a notable rendition included in the concert documentary Elvis: That’s the Way It Is. This performance captured the raw emotion and vulnerability that characterized his music during the early 1970s.
“I’ve Lost You” stands as a testament to Elvis’s ability to convey deep emotional truths, blending his powerful voice with rich orchestration. It remains a fan favorite, illustrating his evolution as an artist and his connection to deeply personal material during this phase of his career.
Video:
Lyrics:
“I’ve Lost You”
(from “That’s The Way It Is” soundtrack)
And in your face the sweetness of a child
Murmuring the dreams you won’t recapture
Though it will haunt the corners of you mind
I’ve Lost though you’re near me
And your body’s still this kind
I’ve lost you on a journey,
But I can’t remember where or when
Who can tell when summer turns to autumn
And who can point the moment love grows cold
Softly without pain the joy is over
Though why it’s gone will neither of us know
Oh, I’ve lost you yes, I’ve lost you
I can’t reach you anymore
We ought to talk it over now
But reason can’t stand in for feeling, oh
Six o’clock the baby will be crying
And you will stumble, sleeping to the door
In the chill and solemn gray of morning
We play the parts that we have learned to well
Oh I’ve lost you, oh, I’ve lost you
Oh, You won’t admit it so
I’ve lost you on a journey,
But I can’t remember where or when no more
Oh, I’ve lost you yes, I’ve lost you
I can’t reach you anymore
We ought to talk it over now
But reason can’t stand in for feeling, oh
Oh, I’ve lost you yes, I’ve lost you
I can’t reach you anymore
We ought to talk it over now
But reason can’t stand in for feeling, oh