Elvis Presley – Early Morning Rain

Introduction:

Elvis Presley, the iconic singer often referred to as the King of Rock and Roll, had a career that transcended genres. While his energetic performances and signature hip-shaking moves made him a rock and roll pioneer, Presley also possessed a remarkable ability to deliver soulful ballads. Early Morning Rain, released in 1957, exemplifies this versatility and remains a poignant testament to his vocal talents.

While the exact recording date is uncertain, most sources place it around February 1957 at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. The session was produced by Sam Phillips, legendary record producer who had discovered Presley at Sun Studio in Memphis a few years prior. Phillips played a pivotal role in shaping Presley’s early career, recognizing his charisma and raw talent that would later take the world by storm. Early Morning Rain was not credited with a songwriter on its original release, though it was later revealed to be written by Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot. Lightfoot, then an unknown artist, had sold the song to Presley’s publisher for a mere $20.

Early Morning Rain is a stark departure from Presley’s usual rockabilly sound. The ballad features a melancholic piano melody accompanied by a gentle downbeat rhythm section. Presley’s vocals are subdued yet emotive, conveying a sense of loneliness and despair. The lyrics paint a picture of a weary traveler, down on his luck and far from home. Lines like “In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand / And an aching in my heart and my pockets full of sand” create a vivid image of hardship and resilience.

Early Morning Rain was not a major commercial success upon its initial release. It wasn’t included on any of Presley’s studio albums in 1957 and was relegated to a B-side of the single “Playing for Keeps”. However, the song’s quiet power resonated with fans and critics alike. It became a staple of Presley’s live performances throughout his career, often delivered with a heartfelt sincerity that captivated audiences. Over the years, Early Morning Rain has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, a testament to its enduring legacy.

Today, Early Morning Rain is recognized as a significant song in Presley’s catalog. It stands as a reminder of his exceptional vocal range and ability to connect with listeners on a deeper emotional level. The song’s enduring popularity showcases Presley’s impact not just on rock and roll, but on popular music as a whole.

Video:

Lyrics:

Yeah, that Hawaiian wedding song has always been tough, tough to sing
The night I recorded it, I did it all night, worked on it all night
Yeah, it’s just that it’s difficult
(Are you actually the person that did it?)
Ah, no, there was some other people who did it
But I had all those, uh, I had all those guys, uh, y’know?
Doing the Hawaiian stuff in the background

In the early mornin’ rain
With a dollar in my hand
And an aching in my heart
And my pockets full of sand
I’m a long ways from home
And I missed my loved one so
In the early mornin’ rain
With no place to go

Out on runway number nine
Big 707 set to go
Well, I’m out here on the grass
Where the pavement never grows
Where the liquor tasted good
And the women all were fast
There she goes, my friend
She’s rolling out at last

Hear the mighty engines roar (hear the mighty engines roar)
See the silver wing on high (see the silver wing on high)
She’s away and westward bound
For above the clouds, she flies
Where the mornin’ rain don’t fall
And the sun always shines
She’ll be flying over my home
In about three hours time

This ol’ airport’s got me down
It’s no earthly good to me
‘Cause I’m stuck here on the ground
Cold and drunk as I might be
Can’t jump a jet plane (can’t jump a plane)
Like you can a freight train (like a freight train)

So I best be on my way
In the early mornin’ rain
So I best be on my way
In the early mornin’ rain
So I best be on my way
In the early mornin’ rain

Ah, you guys, lemme hear the, the, uh, the beat back there, don’t be-
Don’t hold back too much
I said, don’t hold back too much, let me hear the feels and the beats
It’s awfully isolated out here
Ah, thank you, Rodney