Uncovering the Mystery of Elvis Presley’s Iconic Song ‘What Now My Love’
Elvis Presley what now my love – As one of the most influential and beloved musicians of all time, Elvis Presley left an indelible mark on the world of music. From his legendary voice to his iconic style, Elvis captivated audiences with every performance. Among his vast discography, one song stands out as a fan favorite and a testament to his musical prowess: ‘What Now My Love’. This hauntingly beautiful ballad has captured the hearts of millions and remains a staple in Elvis Presley’s legacy. In this blog post, we will dive into the origins, meaning, and impact of ‘What Now My Love’ by Elvis Presley.
Elvis Presley’s Version of ‘What Now My Love’
‘What Now My Love’ was originally composed by French songwriter Gilbert Bécaud in 1961. It was first released as ‘Et Maintenant’ in French, and later translated into English by lyricist Carl Sigman. The song gained popularity after being covered by many artists, including Shirley Bassey and Frank Sinatra. However, it was Elvis Presley’s version that truly stood out.
In 1973, Elvis recorded ‘What Now My Love’ for his album ‘Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite’. This live performance would go on to become one of his most iconic and memorable shows. With a full orchestra and his signature charisma, Elvis delivered a powerful rendition of the song that solidified its place in his repertoire.
The Meaning Behind Elvis Presley’s ‘What Now My Love’
On the surface, ‘What Now My Love’ may seem like a simple love song. But upon closer examination, the lyrics reveal a deeper meaning. The song tells the story of a man who has lost the love of his life and is left wondering what will become of him now. The chorus, “What now my love, now that you’re gone? I’d be a fool to go on and on,” encapsulates the heartache and confusion of losing someone dear.
It is believed that Elvis could relate to the sentiment behind the song. At the time of recording, his marriage to Priscilla Presley was falling apart, and he was struggling with personal issues and doubts about his career. This emotional connection to the lyrics may have contributed to the rawness and vulnerability in his performance.
Why ‘What Now My Love’ is One of Elvis Presley’s Most Iconic Songs
As mentioned before, ‘What Now My Love’ has become a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Elvis Presley’s best songs. Its popularity can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, Elvis’s live performance of the song was truly exceptional. With his powerful vocals, captivating stage presence, and emotional connection to the lyrics, he delivered a memorable rendition that showcased his talent and versatility as a performer. The accompanying orchestra added an extra layer of grandeur to the performance, making it a truly unforgettable moment.
Secondly, the song itself is a masterpiece. The melody and arrangement are beautiful and haunting, perfectly complementing the poignant lyrics. Elvis’s unique voice adds depth and emotion, elevating the song to new heights. The combination of all these elements creates a perfect storm of musical brilliance that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.
Breaking Down the Lyrics of ‘What Now My Love’ by Elvis Presley
Now, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics of ‘What Now My Love’ and explore their meanings.
What now my love, now that you’re gone? I’d be a fool to go on and on No one would care, no one would cry If I should live or die
These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song. The protagonist is clearly devastated by the loss of his love and is struggling to move on. He questions the purpose of life without his partner and wonders if anyone would even care if he were to pass away.
There’s no tomorrow for me Without your love, I just can’t be So what now my love, now that it’s over? I feel the world closing in on me
The chorus reveals the depth of the protagonist’s despair. Without love, he sees no future and feels suffocated by his grief. The use of the phrase “what now” highlights the uncertainty and confusion he feels about his life moving forward.
I was born to love you And I will never be free You’ll always be a part of me So what now my love, now that we’re apart? I pray I’ll find you again someday
These lines hint at the possibility of reconciliation and the desire to reunite with the lost love. The protagonist feels bound to their love and hopes for a second chance in the future.
The Impact of ‘What Now My Love’ on Elvis Presley’s Career
‘What Now My Love’ had a significant impact on Elvis Presley’s career and legacy. It solidified his status as one of the greatest performers of all time and showcased his versatility as an artist. The song also helped propel his album ‘Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite’ to number one on the Billboard charts, making him the first solo artist to achieve this feat three times.
Furthermore, the live performance of ‘What Now My Love’ was broadcasted to over one billion viewers worldwide, cementing Elvis’s place in music history. The show itself was a major milestone in his career and remains one of the most iconic moments in rock and roll history.
How ‘What Now My Love’ Became a Fan Favorite for Elvis Presley
Fans of Elvis Presley have a deep emotional connection to ‘What Now My Love’. It has become a staple in his live shows and is often requested by audiences. The song’s relatable lyrics, combined with Elvis’s heartfelt delivery, have resonated with people all over the world.
Additionally, the song’s inclusion in the historic ‘Aloha from Hawaii’ concert has made it even more special for fans. Many consider this performance to be one of Elvis’s best, and ‘What Now My Love’ is a standout moment of the show.
The Story Behind Elvis Presley’s Recording of ‘What Now My Love’
The recording of ‘What Now My Love’ for ‘Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite’ was not without its challenges. Originally, Elvis was supposed to perform another song, but he decided to switch to ‘What Now My Love’ at the last minute. This change required the orchestra to quickly learn and rehearse the new arrangement, which they did flawlessly.
Welcome to My World Exploring the Legacy of Elvis Presley
Another interesting fact is that Elvis had never performed or recorded the song before. Despite this, he delivered an incredible live performance that became an instant classic.
Comparing Elvis Presley’s ‘What Now My Love’ to Other Versions
As mentioned earlier, ‘What Now My Love’ has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, and Barbra Streisand. However, it is Elvis Presley’s version that stands out as the definitive rendition.
While other versions are also beautiful, Elvis’s raw emotion and vocal power make his version stand out. He adds a depth and soul to the song that is unmatched by any other artist.
The Legacy of ‘What Now My Love’ in Elvis Presley’s Discography
‘What Now My Love’ remains one of the most beloved songs in Elvis Presley’s discography. It has been included in many of his greatest hits compilations, such as ‘Elvis 30
1 Hits’ and ‘Elvis: The 50 Greatest Love Songs’.
The song has also been featured in various movies and TV shows, further cementing its place in popular culture. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the impact and influence of Elvis Presley on music.
Uncovering the Inspiration for ‘What Now My Love’ by Elvis Presley
As with many of his songs, there is some speculation about what inspired Elvis Presley to record ‘What Now My Love’. Some believe that it was a reflection of his personal struggles at the time, while others suggest that it was a tribute to his longtime mentor and manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Regardless of the true inspiration behind the song, one thing is certain – its timeless lyrics and beautiful melody continue to captivate listeners over 40 years after its release.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘What Now My Love’ is more than just a song in Elvis Presley’s discography. It is a masterpiece that showcases his talent and versatility as an artist. Its haunting melody, poignant lyrics, and powerful live performance have solidified its place as one of the most iconic songs in music history.
Through this blog post, we have uncovered the mystery behind this beloved song and explored its impact on Elvis Presley’s career and legacy. From the meaning behind the lyrics to the story behind its recording, we have delved into the depths of ‘What Now My Love’ and gained a deeper understanding of its significance.
Despite its bittersweet message, ‘What Now My Love’ remains a testament to the enduring power and beauty of love. As long as there are fans of Elvis Presley, this song will continue to touch hearts and stand the test of time.
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