Introduction:
A Later Look at Heartbreak: Elvis Presley’s Soulful Delivery in “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'”
While Elvis Presley is undeniably synonymous with energetic rock and roll hits that dominated the 1950s, his musical journey extended far beyond that era. It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’, released in 1969 on the album From Elvis in Memphis, showcases Presley’s talent for delivering soulful ballads.
The song itself was originally written and recorded by country singer-songwriter Johnny Tillotson in 1962. Tillotson’s version became a major hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Country & Western Song. Presley’s rendition, however, leans more towards a soulful blues groove. This shift in genre reflects the overall direction of Presley’s music in the late 1960s, a period marked by a return to his gospel roots and a foray into Memphis soul.
From Elvis in Memphis was produced by Chips Moman, known for his work with artists like Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. Moman’s production style provided the perfect backdrop for Presley’s powerful vocals in It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’. The song itself is a melancholic lament about the lingering pain of a broken relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is struggling to move on, despite the passage of time.
It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’ was not a major chart success for Presley, but it has become a favorite among fans who appreciate his ability to deliver a heartfelt and moving performance. The song stands as a testament to Presley’s versatility as a musician and his enduring appeal as a vocalist. It also serves as a reminder that even the King of Rock and Roll could deliver a poignant ballad that could rival any country or soul crooner of the time.
Video:
Lyrics:
I cry myself to sleep each nightWishing I could hold you tightLife seems so empty since you went awayAnd the pillow where you lay your headNow holds my empty dreams insteadAnd it keeps right on a-hurtin’Since you’re gone
It keeps right on a’hurtin every minute of the dayEvery hour you’re away I feel so lonelyAnd I can’t help it, I don’t think I can go onAnd it keeps right on a-hurtin’ since you’re gone
They say a man ain’t supposed to cryBut when I see you passing byMy heart breaks down and cries a million tearsThe pillow where you lay your headNow holds my empty dreams insteadAnd it keeps right on a-hurtin’ since you’re gone
It keeps right on a’hurtin every minute of the dayEvery hour you’re away I feel so lonelyAnd I can’t help it, I don’t think I can go onAnd it keeps right on a-hurtin’ since you’re goneYes, it keeps right on a-hurtin’ since you’re gone