Introduction:
“There Goes My Everything” is a poignant ballad that Elvis Presley recorded on June 8, 1970, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. The song was originally written by Dallas Frazier and first popularized by Jack Greene, who had a major hit with it in 1966, earning multiple awards including the CMA Song of the Year. Presley’s version of the song appears on his 1971 album Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old), which showcased his affinity for country music and his ability to interpret emotional material.
Elvis’s rendition features his signature vocal strength and breath control, transforming the track into a deeply moving performance. His arrangement is infused with lush instrumentation and vocal harmonies, including contributions from The Imperials, a gospel quartet that frequently collaborated with Presley. The song highlights themes of loss and heartbreak, resonating deeply with both country and pop audiences. While it did not achieve significant chart success in the United States, it became a notable hit in the United Kingdom, where it reached #6 on the pop charts.
The recording session for “There Goes My Everything” was part of an intensive five-day marathon during which Elvis recorded over 30 songs. These sessions marked a return to his country roots and reinforced his versatility as an artist, bridging the gap between country, gospel, and pop genres. The song has since been recognized as one of the highlights of his country repertoire.
Video:
Lyrics:
“There Goes My Everything”
There goes my everything
I hear footsteps slowly walking
As they gently walk across the lonely floor
And a voice is softly saying
Darling this will be goodbye for evermore
There goes my reason for living
There goes the one of my dreams
There goes my only possession
There goes my everything
As my memory turns back the pages
I can see the happy years we’ve had before
Now the love that kept this heart beating
Has been shattered by the closing of the door