Introduction:
“Until It’s Time for You to Go,” sung by Elvis Presley, is a ballad originally written and performed by Indigenous Canadian singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie in the early 1960s. Known for her powerful protest songs, Sainte-Marie showcased her softer, romantic side with this track, blending folk elements with lyrics about a love destined to end. The song resonated with many artists, leading to covers by notable figures like Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond. Presley’s rendition, released in 1972, introduced the song to a broader pop audience, offering a tender, soulful interpretation that diverged from his rock and roll roots.
Presley included the song on his album Elvis Now, showcasing his interest in exploring diverse musical genres during the early ’70s. Although it wasn’t one of his chart-topping hits, it reached number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a favorite for its emotional depth and reflective tone. The album itself combined a mix of songs that demonstrated his range, from rock to folk-inspired tracks like “Until It’s Time for You to Go,” which stood out for its quiet vulnerability.
Sainte-Marie’s thoughtful lyrics about a relationship with an inevitable end offered a meaningful addition to Presley’s catalog, making it one of his most memorable love ballads from the era. The song’s success underscored its timeless appeal and Presley’s adaptability as an artist, even in the shifting musical landscape of the 1970s.