Elvis Presley – I’ll Remember You

Introduction:

Elvis Presley, the undisputed king of Rock and Roll, wasn’t all electrifying performances and hip-shaking dance moves. Throughout his career, Presley also delivered heartfelt ballads that showcased his smooth vocals and emotional range. One such song is I’ll Remember You, a poignant tune released in 1966.

I’ll Remember You wasn’t initially intended to be a major hit. It originated as a bonus track on the soundtrack album for the 1966 movie Spinout, a musical comedy featuring Presley. The film itself wasn’t critically acclaimed, but I’ll Remember You stood out. The song’s melancholic tone and Presley’s sincere delivery resonated with audiences, propelling it to become a fan favorite.

While not credited as a producer on the album, Spinout was overseen by veteran music industry figurehead Colonel Tom Parker, Presley’s longtime manager. I’ll Remember You was written by songwriting duo Allie Wrubel and Walter Donaldson. Wrubel was a seasoned Tin Pan Alley lyricist with a long list of credits, while Donaldson was a composer known for his work in operettas and musicals. I’ll Remember You reflected this combination, with Wrubel’s sentimental lyrics laid over Donaldson’s theatrical melody.

The ballad’s themes of longing and remembrance struck a chord with listeners. The narrator reflects on a lost love, vowing to cherish the memories even as summer fades away. I’ll Remember You became a staple of Presley’s live shows, often performed with heartfelt sincerity. Notably, he delivered a powerful rendition during his Aloha from Hawaii concert special in 1973. This live performance further solidified the song’s place in Presley’s legacy.

I’ll Remember You may not have been a chart-topping smash hit on the scale of Presley’s earlier rock and roll releases, but it has endured as a testament to his versatility as a singer. The song’s enduring popularity is a reminder that even the king of rock and roll could deliver a powerful ballad that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Video:

Lyrics:

I’ll remember you
Long after this endless summer has gone
I’ll be lonely, oh, so lonely
Living only to remember you

I’ll remember you
Your voice as soft as the warm summer breeze
Your sweet laughter, mornings after
Ever after, I’ll remember you

To your arms someday, I’ll return to stay
‘Til then I will remember too
Every bright star we made wishes upon
Love me always, promise always
Ooh, you’ll remember too

I’ll remember you