Elvis Presley – Sylvia

Introduction:

Sylvia, a heartfelt ballad dipped in the melancholic tones of country music, is a hidden gem in the vast catalog of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Released in 1972 on the album Elvis Now, Sylvia stands out for its introspective mood, a contrast to Presley’s usual energetic and charismatic performances. The song wasn’t a single release, but it has garnered a dedicated following among Elvis fans and music enthusiasts alike.

Composed by songwriting duo Geoff Stephens and Les Reed, Sylvia was recorded during a particularly productive period for Presley. On June 8, 1970, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, Presley along with producer Felton Jarvis laid down over 30 songs, a session that yielded material for several albums. Sylvia was one of the last songs recorded during this marathon session. Presley is credited as co-producer on the album Elvis Now, along with Felton Jarvis.

Sylvia stands out for its vulnerability. The lyrics paint a picture of a man yearning for a lost love named Sylvia. The melancholic tone is evident from the opening lines, “Sylvia, where did our love go wrong? / Used to sing love songs all night long.” Presley’s vocals perfectly capture the emotional weight of the lyrics. While Sylvia doesn’t showcase his signature rock and roll swagger, it delivers a powerful and nuanced vocal performance that highlights his interpretative skills as a singer.

Sylvia may not be one of Presley’s most commercially successful songs, but it holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. It showcases a different side of the King – a man capable of deep emotions and vulnerability. The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, a testament to Presley’s timeless charisma and vocal talent.

Video:

Lyrics:

These long lonely evenings
Here I am on the phone
Wondering if she will call
She said she would write me
‘Cause she knows I’m alone
But I hear nothing at all

I’m waiting for a word of love from Sylvia.
You think she’d never heard of love my Sylvia,
But when I’m with her Lord, I forgive her
‘Cause she’s more than the whole world to me
There’s nothing like a word of love from Sylvia
The only one I’m thinking of is Sylvia
Feeling so sad now, I’ll be so glad now
If I just had my Sylvia with me

That old weepin’ willow
Seems to whisper her name
Why did she go away
The tears on my pillow
They’re not hard to explain
There’s nothing else I can say

I’m waiting for a word of love from Sylvia.
You think she’d never heard of love my Sylvia,
But when I’m with her Lord, I forgive her
‘Cause she’s more than the whole world to me
There’s nothing in the world like Sylvia
The only one I’m thinking of is Sylvia
Feeling so sad now, I’ll be so glad now
If I just had my Sylvia with me.