About The Song:
Elvis Presley. The name itself conjures images of electrifying performances, hip-shaking dance moves, and a powerful voice that revolutionized the world of music. From the mid-1950s to the early 1970s, Presley was synonymous with rock and roll, a genre he helped pioneer and define. His music was a potent cocktail of rhythm and blues, gospel, and country, igniting a cultural firestorm that continues to resonate today.
However, there’s another facet to Presley’s musical legacy that often gets overshadowed by his high-octane rock and roll persona: his surprising tenderness as a ballad singer. This lesser-explored side of the King is perhaps best exemplified by his 1975 recording of “And I Love You So”.
Released on the album Elvis Presley Today (later reissued with a slightly different tracklist as Elvis: A Legendary Performer Volume 1), “And I Love You So” was a stark departure from Presley’s usual rock and roll fare. Written by singer-songwriter Don McLean (of “American Pie” fame), the song is a beautiful and melancholic ballad that pours its heart out in a declaration of deep and abiding love. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that transcends time and circumstance, with lines like “Since the day I first met you/Love has bloomed inside of me” and “Though the miles may separate us/And the world may try to tear us apart/No one can change this golden heart/That beats only for you.”
Produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator who would remain with Presley until his death, “And I Love You So” showcased a different side of Presley’s vocal talent. Gone was the raw energy and swagger of his rock and roll days. In its place was a mature and nuanced delivery, filled with a quiet intensity that conveyed the depth of the song’s emotion. The backing track, arranged by Mike Leach, is equally restrained, featuring a gentle acoustic guitar figure, soft piano chords, and subtle string arrangements that build to a tender crescendo in the chorus.
“And I Love You So” wasn’t a major chart success upon its release, but it has grown in stature over the years. Fans and critics alike have come to appreciate it as a gem in Presley’s vast catalog, a testament to his versatility as a performer. The song’s enduring popularity is a reminder that the King of Rock and Roll could croon a ballad with just as much power and conviction as he could belt out a rock anthem.