Introduction:
Recorded in 1969, “Any Day Now” stands out from the energetic rock and roll anthems that Elvis Presley was known for. This ballad, with its melancholic tone and introspective lyrics, showcased a different side of the King.
While Presley delivered the vocals that captivated audiences worldwide, the songwriting credits for “Any Day Now” go to Aaron Schroeder and Teddy Randazzo. The song was produced by Chips Moman and Felton Jarvis, who had collaborated with Presley on his American Sound Studio recordings in Memphis.
“Any Day Now” wasn’t a commercial success on the scale of Presley’s earlier hits. It wasn’t released as a single and didn’t appear on any of his studio albums during his lifetime. It was originally included on the compilation album, “From Elvis in Memphis”, which came out in June 1969.
Despite the lack of immediate chart success, “Any Day Now” has grown significantly in stature over the years. Fans and critics alike have come to appreciate the song’s vulnerability and emotional depth. Presley’s vocals are powerful yet nuanced, conveying a sense of impending heartbreak and resignation. The lyrics paint a picture of a love about to end, with the singer anticipating the inevitable goodbye.
The song’s growing popularity is evident in the numerous cover versions by a wide range of artists. Artists from Art Garfunkel and Linda Ronstadt to Percy Sledge and Aaron Neville have all taken on “Any Day Now”, adding their own interpretations to the Presley classic. The song’s influence can also be felt in popular culture, soundtracking moments in movies and television shows.
“Any Day Now” stands as a testament to Presley’s versatility as a singer. While he is synonymous with the energy and dynamism of rock and roll, this song proves his ability to deliver a moving and heartfelt performance. The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, showcasing a facet of Presley’s artistry that continues to resonate with audiences today.
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Lyrics:
Any day now I will hear you sayGoodbye, my loveYou’ll be on your wayThen my wild beautiful birdYou will have flownAny day now (Any… now)I’ll be all alone (I’ll be all alone)Oh, oh, ohAny day now, when your restless eyesMeet someone newTo my sad surpriseThen the blue shadow will fall all over town (Ooooh, ooooh)Any day now (Any day now)Love will let me down (Love will let me down)Oh, oh, ohI know I shouldn’t want to keep youIf you don’t want to stay, yeahUntil you’ve gone foreverI’ll be holding on for dear lifeHolding you this wayBegging you to stayAny day nowWhen the clock strikes goYou’ll call it offThen my tears will flowThen the blue shadow will fall all over town (Ooooh, ooooooh)Any day now (Any day now, any day now)Love will let me down (Love will let me down)And you won’t be aroundAny day nowOh, oh, any day nowOh, any day nowDon’t fly away my beautiful bird (Any day now)Don’t fly away my beautiful bird (Any day now)Any day nowDon’t fly away my beautiful bird (Any day now)