Elvis Presley - Unchained Melody
Elvis Presley's rendition of "Unchained Melody" represents one of the most poignant and powerful moments in the final chapter of his legendary career. Originally written by Alex North with lyrics by Hy Zaret in 1955 as the theme for the prison film "Unchained," the song had already become a standard through numerous recordings, most notably by the Righteous Brothers in 1965. Elvis began performing "Unchained Melody" during his concert tours in 1977, accompanying himself on piano in an intimate arrangement that showcased his remarkable vocal abilities even as his health deteriorated. The version that appeared on his final studio album, Moody Blue, released on July 19, 1977, was recorded live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on April 24, 1977, and was heavily overdubbed with additional instrumentation and orchestration by producer Felton Jarvis to create a polished studio sound.
The most famous and emotionally resonant performance of "Unchained Melody" came on June 21, 1977, at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, South Dakota, just two months before Elvis's death on August 16, 1977. This performance was filmed as part of the CBS television special "Elvis in Concert," which would air two months after his passing. During what had been described as a weak concert, Elvis sat down at the piano near the end of the show, and with guitarist Charlie Hodge holding a microphone, delivered what Rolling Stone called "the last great moment of his career." Despite being only 42 years old, Elvis was suffering from severe health issues including an enlarged heart, hypertension, and debilitating effects from years of prescription drug abuse and poor dietary habits. Yet when he began to sing, his voice remained almost as powerful as ever, demonstrating the enduring strength of his talent even as his body was failing. The performance captured Elvis pouring his heart into the song's lyrics about longing and the passage of time, creating an intimate and deeply moving moment that resonated profoundly with audiences who witnessed it.
Following Elvis's death, "Unchained Melody" was released as a single in February 1978, using an overdubbed version of the June 21 Rapid City performance rather than the Ann Arbor recording that appeared on the Moody Blue album. The single peaked at number six on the country music charts, adding to the song's legacy as a testament to Elvis's enduring vocal power and emotional depth. The Moody Blue album itself, which had been released just weeks before his death, vaulted to number three on the charts and sold over three million copies in the wake of his passing. Elvis's interpretation of "Unchained Melody" has since become iconic, particularly after being featured in Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biographical film "Elvis," introducing the performance to new generations. The haunting image of Elvis at the piano, visibly struggling with his health yet delivering a transcendent vocal performance, serves as both a powerful artistic achievement and a bittersweet reminder of the toll that fame and personal struggles had taken on the King of Rock and Roll during his final days.
Elvis Presley Unchained Melody Lyrics
Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely rivers cry
Wait for me
Wait for me
I'll be coming home
Wait for me
Oh my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch
A long lonely time
And time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me