Introduction:
By the mid-1960s, the musical landscape had begun to shift dramatically. The emergence of bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones ushered in a new era of rock and roll, one that differed from the sound Elvis Presley had pioneered a decade earlier. Facing this changing tide, Presley found himself at a crossroads. “I Met Her Today,” released in 1965, became a significant marker in this period, showcasing both his ability to adapt and his enduring talent.
Composed by songwriting duo Don Robertson and Hal Blair, “I Met Her Today” falls under the umbrella of pop music with strong elements of ballad. The song’s producer, Chet Atkins, was a longtime collaborator with Presley, having played a crucial role in shaping his early sound. Atkins, known for his innovative fingerpicking style, was a prominent figure in the country music scene and would continue to be a driving force behind Presley’s musical evolution.
“I Met Her Today” marked a departure from Presley’s earlier, more rockabilly-driven hits. The song is characterized by a slower tempo, a more introspective lyrical style, and a prominent use of strings. This shift reflected a broader trend in Presley’s music during this time, as he incorporated elements of pop, country, and gospel into his repertoire.
Despite the changing musical landscape, “I Met Her Today” proved to be a success. The song reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, demonstrating Presley’s enduring popularity with audiences. “I Met Her Today” also charted in the Top 20 in the UK Singles Chart, solidifying his international appeal.
More importantly, “I Met Her Today” showcased Presley’s remarkable vocal talents. The song allows him to display the full range of his voice, effortlessly transitioning from smooth, low-register verses to soaring, high-pitched choruses. This versatility, a hallmark of Presley’s singing, helped him to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
“I Met Her Today” stands as a testament to Presley’s ability to adapt and evolve as a musician. While acknowledging the changing musical trends of the era, the song retained elements of his signature style, showcasing both his vocal prowess and his enduring charisma. In the face of a shifting musical landscape, “I Met Her Today” served as a reminder of why Elvis Presley remained the King of Rock and Roll.
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Lyrics:
I told you that some dayIf you kept on being untrueSomebody else would come alongAnd release me from youYou’ll be glad to know nowYour fickle worldCan have its own wayFor it finally happenedI’ve met her todayI used to think I just couldn’t liveA day without youIn spite of the thousand doubts and tearsThat you put me throughAll at once I don’t care as much for youI’m sorry to sayFor now there’s anotherI met her todayHow I treasured each smile, each kissYou gave to me now and thenWell, you needn’t be kind to me nowOh no, not ever againJust when the last bit of pride in me was goneSomeone heard me prayAnd sent me my angelI met her todayI met her today