Introduction:
Released in 1969 as the B-side to the single Clean Up Your Own Back Yard, “The Fair’s Moving On” by Elvis Presley is a reflective track that captures themes of change and the passage of time. The song was recorded during the legendary sessions at American Sound Studio in Memphis, a pivotal moment in Elvis’s career that also produced hits like “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto”.
Written by the British songwriting duo Guy Fletcher and Doug Flett, “The Fair’s Moving On” showcases a blend of country and soul influences, characteristic of Elvis’s musical experimentation during this era. The sessions at American Sound Studio were a significant comeback for Elvis, rejuvenating his sound and contributing to his return to chart-topping success. Musicians for the track included prominent session players like Reggie Young on guitar and Gene Chrisman on drums, enhancing the song’s rich, expressive arrangement.
The song was part of the Back in Memphis album, released in 1970 as a companion to From Elvis in Memphis. This album focused more on heartfelt and introspective material, in contrast to Elvis’s earlier pop-centered records. “The Fair’s Moving On,” with its nostalgic and contemplative lyrics, captures a sense of finality and the inevitable nature of change, reflecting Elvis’s own career and personal evolution during this transformative period.