Introduction:
Released in 1966, What Every Woman Lives For wasn’t Elvis Presley’s first foray into the world of ballads, but it certainly captured a specific sentiment amidst the whirlwind of the mid-1960s rock and roll scene. By this time, Presley was already a solidified superstar, having shocked and captivated audiences with his energetic blend of rock and roll, country, and gospel influences. Hits like Heartbreak Hotel (1956) and Hound Dog (1956) had cemented him as a cultural icon, and What Every Woman Lives For showcased a different side of the King of Rock and Roll.
While What Every Woman Lives For wasn’t written by Presley himself, the songwriting duo of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman crafted a song that undeniably fit within the Presley persona. Pomus, known for his work with artists like Ray Charles and The Drifters, imbued the lyrics with a vulnerability that resonated with a new wave of fans. Presley, known for his charisma and stage presence, delivered the vocals with a sincerity that conveyed a yearning for love and connection.
What Every Woman Lives For wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit for Presley, but it did find a place on the soundtrack for the 1966 film Frankie and Johnny. The film itself wasn’t a major box office success, but it did solidify the song’s place within Presley’s filmography, a period where he was churning out multiple movies a year alongside his recording career.
What Every Woman Lives For stands as a testament to Presley’s versatility as a musician. While his energetic rock and roll anthems are what he’s most famous for, this song proves he could deliver a heartfelt ballad with just as much conviction. The song remains a favorite among some fans, a welcome change of pace from the faster-driven tracks that dominated Presley’s early career. What Every Woman Lives For offers a glimpse into a different side of Elvis Presley, the King who, beneath the swagger and the spectacle, yearned for love just like everyone else.
Video:
Lyrics:
She may say she needs fancy bangles and beadsThat’s part of a woman’s planBut what every woman lives forWhat every woman lives forIs to give her love to a manWise men have known women can’t live aloneSo a woman should understandThat what every woman lives forWhat every woman lives forIs to give her love to a manHe may not be the kind you find in picture booksA real-life hero with dashing handsome looksHe may not be the guy that you’ve been dreaming ofBut that won’t stop you from giving him your loveSo, dear, can’t you see that it was meant to be?It’s part, part of our destiny‘Cause what every woman lives forWhat every woman lives forIs to give her love to a manAnd I hope that man is me