Introduction:
Marking the final track on his studio album Moody Blue, released in 1976, It’s Easy For You stands out as a contemplative ballad performed by the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Produced by Felton Jarvis, the song departed from Presley’s usual energetic rock and roll style, venturing into a more melancholic and introspective soundscape. This dramatic shift was partly due to the recording location – the Jungle Room, a unique space within Presley’s Graceland mansion known for its unconventional decor.
While not achieving the same chart-topping success as some of Presley’s earlier hits, It’s Easy For You holds a significant place within his discography. Composed by the theatrical songwriting duo of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the song showcased a new direction Presley was willing to explore. Rice and Webber, famed for their work on Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, crafted It’s Easy For You with a poignant lyricism that resonated with Presley.
The song itself delves into themes of heartbreak and loss. The narrator grapples with the aftermath of a failed relationship, tormented by the apparent ease with which their former lover seems to have moved on. Presley’s vocals perfectly capture this emotional turmoil, delivering a powerful and nuanced performance that belied the health struggles he was facing at the time of recording.
It’s Easy For You served as a poignant farewell not just to the album Moody Blue, but also to a particular era in Presley’s career. The song’s introspective nature foreshadowed the struggles Presley would grapple with in the coming years. Despite the somber tone, It’s Easy For You endures as a testament to Presley’s versatility as a vocalist and his willingness to explore new musical territories. The song continues to resonate with fans, offering a glimpse into a more vulnerable side of the King.
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Lyrics:
You may not mind that it’s overBut I’ve a different point of viewEven though I am shatteredIt’s easy for you
You don’t have to face the musicYou don’t have to face the crowdJust go back where you came fromYou ain’t even proud
I had a wife and I had childrenI threw them all awayAnd now you tell me, you dare to tell meI should go back to themWhat do you think I should say
I found it hard to leave themSaddest thing I ever had to doMy problems haven’t startedAnd it’s easy for you
I had a wife and I had childrenI threw them all awayAnd now you tell me, you dare to tell meI should go back to themWhat do you think, what on earth do you think I should say
If you ever tire of the good lifeCall me in a year or twoI’ve got no choice, I’ll forgive you’cause it’s easy for you
You only have to call me, it’s easy for youYou only have to call me, it’s easy for you