Introduction:
Such a Night: A Nostalgic Look Back at Elvis Presley’s Romantic Ballad
Released in 1960, Such a Night is a tender and evocative ballad that showcases a different side of the iconic Elvis Presley. While the “King of Rock and Roll” was known for his energetic and charismatic performances, Such a Night strikes a more sentimental tone, highlighting Presley’s impressive vocal range and ability to deliver a heartfelt performance.
The song is credited to Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, a successful songwriting duo who penned numerous hits for Presley throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Produced by RCA Victor’s Steve Sholes, Such a Night was not initially intended for Presley. However, after Presley heard the song during a recording session, he was immediately drawn to it and insisted on recording his own version.
Sholes quickly assembled a recording session for Presley, featuring Presley’s usual bandmates Scotty Moore on guitar, Bill Black on bass, D.J. Fontana on drums, and the Jordanaires on backing vocals. The resulting recording captured the essence of the song’s romantic narrative. Presley’s smooth vocals soar over a gentle guitar melody, punctuated by a melancholic piano line. The Jordanaires’ harmonies add a touch of sweetness, creating a lush soundscape that perfectly complements the song’s sentimental lyrics.
Such a Night was not a chart-topping hit upon its initial release in 1960 . It appeared on the compilation album Elvis Is Back! which primarily featured songs from Presley’s two-year stint in the United States Army. However, the song gained popularity over the years and has become a fan favorite. It has been featured on numerous compilation albums and live recordings, showcasing Presley’s enduring appeal as a ballad singer.
Such a Night stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s versatility as a musician. While he is best known for his up-tempo rock and roll anthems, Such a Night demonstrates his ability to deliver a powerful and moving ballad. The song’s enduring popularity speaks to its timeless themes of love, loss, and memory, ensuring its place among Presley’s most cherished recordings.
Video:
Lyrics:
It was a night, ooh oh, what a nightIt was, it really was such a nightThe moon was bright, oh, how brightIt was, it really was such a nightThe night was alight with stars aboveOoh, when she kissed meI had to fall in loveOh, it was a kissOoh oh, what a kissIt was, it really was such a kissOh, how she could kiss, oh, what a kissIt was, it really was such a kissJust the thought of her lips sets me afireI reminisce and I’m filled with desireBut I’d gave my heart to her in sweet surrenderHow well I remember, I’ll always rememberOh, what a night, ooh oh, what a nightIt was, it really was such a nightCame the dawn and my heart and her loveAnd the night was goneBut I’ll never forget the kissThe kiss in the moonlightOoh, such a kiss, such a nightIt was a night, ooh oh, what a nightIt was, it really was such a nightCame the dawn and my heart and her loveAnd the night was goneBut I’ll never forget the kissThe kiss in the moonlightHow well I remember, I’ll always rememberThat night, ooh oh, what a nightIt was, it really was such a nightWhen we kissed, I had to fall in loveBut I’d gave my heart to her in sweet surrenderHow well I remember, I’ll always rememberOh, that nightOoh oh, what a nightIt was, it really was such a nightWhen we kissed, I had to fall in loveWell she’s gone, gone, goneYes, she’s gone, gone, goneCame the dawn, dawn, dawnAnd my love was goneBut before that dawnYes, before that dawnAnd before that dawnOoh (ah), ooh (ah), ooh (ah), yeah (ah)Such a night