Introduction:
“Return to Sender” by Elvis Presley is one of his classic hits, released in 1962 as part of the soundtrack for the film Girls! Girls! Girls! Written by Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott, the song combines catchy pop melodies with a storyline about a man attempting to reconnect with a love interest through returned letters. The lyrics capture the humor and frustration of his unrequited love, marked by the recurring postal stamp message: “Return to Sender.” The song’s upbeat tempo, clever lyrics, and engaging rhythm helped it stand out during Presley’s early 1960s era.
Musically, “Return to Sender” blends rock and roll with a touch of rhythm and blues, a style fitting for the early 1960s pop scene. It was recorded with The Jordanaires providing background vocals, adding depth to the track’s lively and somewhat playful vibe. The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the UK Singles Chart. Its popularity was boosted by Elvis’s performance in Girls! Girls! Girls!, where he performed the song as part of the movie’s lighthearted narrative. Over the years, “Return to Sender” has been widely covered by various artists, showcasing its timeless appeal and Presley’s lasting impact on rock and roll and pop music.
“Return to Sender” remains a fan favorite and an iconic representation of Elvis’s ability to merge storytelling with catchy, accessible music, making it one of his signature songs from the early 60s. Its continued popularity reaffirms Elvis’s influence on music and popular culture worldwide.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Return To Sender”
Return to senderI gave a letter to the postman
He put it his sack
Bright in early next morning
He brought my letter back
She wrote upon it
Return to sender, address unknown
No such number, no such zone
We had a quarrel, a lovers’ spat
I write I’m sorry but my letter keeps coming back
So then I dropped it in the mailbox
And sent it special D
Bright in early next morning
It came right back to me
She wrote upon it
Return to sender, address unknown
No such person, no such zone
This time I’m gonna take it myself
And put it right in her hand
And if it comes back the very next day
Then I’ll understand the writing on it
Return to sender, address unknown
No such number, no such zone
Return to sender
Return to sender
Return to sender
Return to sender