Sometimes, an artist is really synonymously linked with a certain song, even if they only covered it and it wasn’t their original track.
That’s definitely something that applies to the beautiful song “Always On My Mind”, originally written by Willie Nelson.
Even though it’s not Elvis’ song and wasn’t even written for or by him, it’s pretty much undeniable that most people think about the King of Rock and Roll when they hear it instead of Nelson.
Elvis actually performed the song back in 1972, when he was already a major star in the industry, perhaps the biggest star entertainment has ever seen.
However, there might be another reason why the Elvis version is more popular, and you can also just tell that it’s a very emotional and touching song for the King to perform.
When Elvis Presley recorded this song, it was just a couple of weeks after he got separated from his wife Priscilla. The lyrics of the song are already quite emotional enough, but the fact that they’re pretty applicable to Elvis’ own personal life makes it even tougher.
Some would even say that this version of “Always On My Mind”, is absolutely heartbreaking, and doesn’t show us the happy and energetic King we were always used to.
In a performance video that was posted online after all these years, there’s actually a separate part at the beginning where his story is narrated.
“Perhaps the most difficult thing for Elvis to accept was the end of his marriage. Just five years before, Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding in Las Vegas had made headlines and now the couple was meeting at a courthouse to finalise their divorce…. A loss that would sadden Elvis for the rest of his life,” the narrator says.
After the introduction, we see the performance itself. Knowing what was going on in his head at the time, really makes this video stand out even more.
It’s pure, heartfelt, touching, and just so, so emotional.
Perhaps this is the reason why so many people correlate Elvis Presley with the classic song, simply because it resonates a lot stronger given The King’s personal experiences and timely separation from his ex-wife.
The song could be perfectly about him and his broken heart, and it’s even difficult to watch at certain points.
Of course, a lot of singers sing their songs with emotion and are inspired by events that occur in their own life, but this one is particularly touching.
It’s a far cry from “Jailhouse Rock” or “Blue Suede Shoes”, and it’s even very different than all of his other love songs.
Of course, Elvis Presley is a singer who always did it from the heart, but it truly hits different whenever he’s singing about his own personal pain.
In the video, we also see a quick insight into the relationship between Elvis and Priscilla.
It can truly be described as a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when we see adorable pictures of them along with their children. Elvis’ sad voice in the background really resonates even harder in contrast with the footage.
For all the fans at the time and even now, it must’ve been so heartbreaking to see their idol so heartbroken.
One thing is for sure: there will never be another Elvis Presley and his legacy will live on forever.
This performance by The King definitely sets the bar for ‘singing from the heart’, even though hearing his voice is just as beautiful as it is sad.
You can watch the classic and absolutely chilling performance below.
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