The Last Farewell by Elvis Presley

Introduction:

Released posthumously in 1984, “The Last Farewell” stands as a poignant testament to the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley. Originally penned by Roger Whittaker and Ron A. Webster, this haunting ballad was recorded by the King of Rock and Roll in 1976 during his iconic Jungle Room sessions. Produced by Felton Jarvis, the track was included on the album From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee.

While not a chart-topping hit upon its initial release, “The Last Farewell” has since become a beloved fan favorite, showcasing a different side of Elvis’s vocal range. The song’s melancholic melody and introspective lyrics resonated deeply with audiences, offering a glimpse into the artist’s complex persona beyond his energetic stage presence.

With its orchestral arrangements and Elvis’s rich, emotive vocals, the track transcends the boundaries of traditional rock and roll, embracing elements of adult contemporary and balladry. It serves as a poignant reflection on life, loss, and the passage of time, making it a particularly resonant choice for posthumous release.

“The Last Farewell” has solidified its place in Elvis Presley’s discography as a powerful and enduring ballad, capturing the hearts of listeners with its raw vulnerability and timeless beauty.

Video:

Lyrics:

“The Last Farewell”

There’s a ship lies rigged and ready in the harbor
Tomorrow forOld England she sails
Far away from your land of endless sunshine
To my land full of rainy skies and galesAnd I shall be aboard that ship tomorrow
Though my heart is full of tears at this farewell

For you are beautiful, I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
For you are beautiful, I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell

I’ve heard there’s a wicked war a-blazing
And the taste of war I know so very well
Even now I see that foreign flag a-raising
Their guns on fire as we sail into Hell

I have no fear of death, it brings no sorrow
But how bitter will be this last farewell

For you are beautiful, I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
For you are beautiful, I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell

Though death and darkness gather all about me
And my ship be torn apart upon the seas
I shall smell again the fragrance of these islands
And the heaving waves that brought me once to thee

And should I return safe home again to England
I shall watch the English mist roll through the Dale

For you are beautiful, I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell
For you are beautiful, I have loved you dearly
More dearly than the spoken word can tell