Introduction:
While Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, was known for his electrifying performances and energetic rockabilly hits, he also possessed a captivating ability to deliver soulful ballads. Tomorrow Is A Long Time stands as a prime example of this. This melancholic folk song, originally written and composed by Bob Dylan, was given a new life by Presley’s interpretation in 1966.
The recording session for Tomorrow Is A Long Time took place on May 26, 1966, during a session for Presley’s gospel album, How Great Thou Art. Producer Felton Jarvis, who had a long history working with Elvis, was at the helm for this session. Presley, known for his dedication to his craft, laid down his rendition of the Dylan tune among other gospel recordings. However, Tomorrow Is A Long Time never made it onto the final tracklist for How Great Thou Art.
Despite not being part of the original album, Tomorrow Is A Long Time eventually found its way to the public. The song was included as a bonus track on the soundtrack album for the 1966 movie Spinout, a comedic romp starring Presley himself. While the film itself may not be considered one of Presley’s cinematic high points, Tomorrow Is A Long Time emerged as a hidden gem.
The song’s quiet beauty struck a chord with fans and critics alike. Bob Dylan himself was quoted saying that Presley’s version of Tomorrow Is A Long Time was “the one recording I treasure the most.” This praise from the original songwriter is a testament to the sincerity and emotional depth that Presley brought to the song.
Tomorrow Is A Long Time showcased a different side of Elvis Presley. The track departed from his usual upbeat rock and roll style and embraced a more introspective and folk-oriented sound. Presley’s vocals perfectly captured the melancholy of the lyrics, which speak of loneliness, impermanence, and the yearning for love.
Even though it wasn’t a single and wasn’t included on one of Presley’s major albums, Tomorrow Is A Long Time has endured as a fan favorite. The song is a reminder of Presley’s versatility as a musician and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper emotional level. Today, Tomorrow Is A Long Time continues to be enjoyed by Presley fans around the world, and it stands as a unique and treasured addition to his vast musical legacy.
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Lyrics:
If today was not endless highwayIf tonight was not endless trailIf tomorrow wasn’t such a long timeThen lonesome would mean nothing to me at allYes and only if my own true love was waitingIf I could hear her heart softly poundingOnly she was lying by meThen I’d lie in my bed once againI can’t see my reflection in the waterI can’t speak the sounds that show no painI can’t hear the echo of my footstepsI can’t remember the sound of my own nameYes and only if my own true love was waitingIf I could hear her heart softly poundingIf only she was lying by meThen I’d lie in my bed once againThere’s beauty in the silver singing riverThere’s beauty in the sunrise in the skyBut none of these and nothing else could match the beautyThat I remember in my true love’s eyesYes and only if my own true love was waitingIf I could hear her heart softly poundingIf only she was lying by meThen I’d lie in my bed once againIf today was not an endless highwayIf tonight was not endless trailIf tomorrow wasn’t such a long timeThen lonesome would mean nothing to me at allYes and only if my own true love was waitingIf I could hear her heart softly poundingIf only she was lying by meThen I’d lie in my bed once again