Introduction:
Emerging from the whirlwind of the 1950s as a rock and roll icon, Elvis Presley’s career traversed various musical landscapes throughout the following decades. By the mid-1970s, he had established himself as a successful Las Vegas performer, captivating audiences with his electrifying stage presence and a repertoire that blended his rock and roll roots with elements of country, gospel, and pop. It was during this period, in 1974, that Presley released “It’s Still Here”, a poignant ballad that showcased the enduring power of his voice and his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
Composed by songwriter Rodney Crowell, “It’s Still Here” departed from the high-octane rock and roll of Presley’s early years. Instead, it leaned towards a more introspective and soulful sound. The melancholic piano melody sets the stage for Presley’s deeply emotive vocals, as he narrates the story of a heartbroken lover. The lyrics express the lingering pain of a relationship’s demise, with lines like “Because my heart cannot believe / We’re really through” and “The love I had for you so long / Is still here.” Presley’s powerful delivery injects a raw vulnerability into the song, conveying the protagonist’s struggle to accept the loss and the lingering hope for reconciliation.
“It’s Still Here” was produced by Felton Jarvis, a longtime collaborator who played a crucial role in shaping Presley’s sound during his Las Vegas era. Jarvis’s production style often emphasized Presley’s vocals, surrounding them with tasteful arrangements that complemented the emotional core of the song. In “It’s Still Here”, the understated instrumentation, featuring piano, bass, and gentle strings, allows Presley’s voice to take center stage, effectively conveying the depth of the character’s emotions.
Despite not achieving the chart-topping success of some of Presley’s earlier hits, “It’s Still Here” resonated with fans who appreciated his exploration of more mature themes. The song stands as a testament to Presley’s versatility as a vocalist and his ability to connect with audiences through his vulnerability. It remains a cherished track among his vast discography, a testament to the enduring power of heartbreak ballads delivered by the King of Rock and Roll.
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Lyrics:
The day you said we’d never partYou turned around and broke my heartYou had the nerve to tell me I would soon forgetNow you’ve been gone away one yearAnd I have not forgotten dearThe love I had for you so longIs still hereWow-oh
It’s here, still hereBecause my heart cannot believeWe’re really throughAnd though you said we’d never partYou turned around and broke my heartThe love I had for you so longIs still here
It’s here, still hereBecause my heart cannot believeWe’re really throughNow you’ve been gone away one yearAnd I have not forgotten dearThe love I had for you so longIs still hereWow-oh
It’s here, it’s here, still hereBecause my heart cannot believeWe’re really throughAnd though you said we’d never partYou turned around and broke my heartThe love I had for you so longIs still hereWow-ow
It’s here, still hereBecause my heart cannot believeWe’re really throughAnd though you said we’d never partYou turned around and broke my heartThe love I had for you so longIs still hereOh yeah