Introduction:
In 1969, a time of immense cultural and social change, Elvis Presley, the king of rock and roll, embarked on a creative resurgence. After a period dominated by Hollywood musicals, he returned to his roots with the critically acclaimed album “Back in Memphis”. This collection marked a return to the raw energy and soulful vocals that had defined his early career. Nestled amongst the driving blues and rockabilly tracks was a quieter moment, a tender ballad titled “And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind”.
Composed by the burgeoning singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, the song offered a stark contrast to the electrifying performances Elvis was known for. “And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind” unfolded with a gentle acoustic guitar melody, a stark departure from the usual wall of sound that accompanied Presley. The producer, Chips Moman, known for his stripped-down, Memphis soul sound, further emphasized the song’s intimacy.
Lyrically, the song delves into a scene of idyllic romance. The imagery is simple yet evocative, painting a picture of lovers nestled by a stream, their connection existing in a world apart from the concerns of time and society. Lines like “Listen easy, you can hear God calling/Walking barefoot by the stream” and “And the time will be our time/And the grass won’t pay no mind” create a sense of peaceful seclusion, where the only things that matter are the two souls entwined.
“And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind” stands as a testament to Presley’s versatility as a vocalist. While his powerful voice could ignite a stadium with rock anthems, here he delivered a delicate performance brimming with tenderness. He croons the lyrics with a quiet intensity, conveying the depth of emotion felt by the protagonist.
Although not a chart-topping hit, “And The Grass Won’t Pay No Mind” has garnered a devoted following among Elvis fans. It serves as a welcome respite from the album’s more energetic tracks, showcasing a softer, more introspective side of the king. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a timeless sentiment: the overwhelming power of love that transcends the boundaries of the everyday world.
Video:
Lyrics:
Listen easy, you can hear God callingWalking barefoot by the streamCome on to me, Your hair’s softly fallingOn my face as in a dreamAnd the time will be our timeAnd the grass won’t pay no mind
Saying nothing, lying where the sun isBaking down upon our sidesMy lips touch you, with their soft wet kissesYour hands gentle in replyAnd the time will be our timeAnd the grass won’t pay no mind
Child, touch my soul with your criesAnd the music will know what we’ve foundI, hear a hundred good-byesBut today I hear only one soundThe moment we’re living is nowNow now now now now now now
Young bird flying, and a soft wind blowingCools the sweat inside my palmsClose my eyes, hear the flowers growingAs you lay sleeping in my armsAnd the time will be our timeAnd the grass won’t pay no mindNo the grass won’t pay no mind