Elvis Presley – Snowbird

Introduction:

In 1970, a different side of the iconic Elvis Presley emerged with the release of the melancholic ballad, “Snowbird”. This poignant song, a departure from his electrifying rock and roll roots, showcased his remarkable vocal versatility and resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a country music hit.

“Snowbird” originated from the songwriting talents of Canadian folk singer Gene MacLellan. The song’s gentle melody and introspective lyrics struck a chord with Presley, who was known for his appreciation of country music throughout his career. Presley recorded “Snowbird” on September 22, 1970, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, with producer Felton Jarvis at the helm. Jarvis, a seasoned country music producer, had collaborated with Presley on numerous occasions and was instrumental in shaping the song’s country music character.

The instrumentation in “Snowbird” is subtle and evocative, featuring acoustic guitar, piano, and gentle backing vocals. This pared-down approach places the spotlight on Presley’s expressive vocals. He delivers the lyrics with a heartfelt sincerity, capturing the yearning for warmth and comfort embedded in the song.

“Snowbird” tells the story of a metaphorical “snowbird,” someone who longs to escape the harshness of winter and return to a place of peace and familiarity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone yearning for a return to their true home, a place that offers solace and emotional refuge. Lines like “Spread your tiny wings and fly away, Take the snow back with you where it came from that day” and “Oh, little snowbird, take me with you when you go, To that land of gentle breezes where the peaceful waters flow” resonate with anyone who has ever experienced the ache of homesickness or the desire for a simpler life.

“Snowbird” proved to be a significant success for Presley. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, solidifying his place within the country music genre. It also achieved impressive crossover appeal, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, demonstrating Presley’s enduring popularity across musical genres.

The legacy of “Snowbird” extends beyond its chart success. The song’s poignant themes of longing and the search for home continue to resonate with listeners today. It stands as a testament to Presley’s remarkable vocal range and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, even when venturing outside his rock and roll persona. “Snowbird” serves as a reminder of the King’s enduring influence and his ability to deliver powerful performances that transcend genre limitations.

Video:

Lyrics:

Beneath this snowy mantle cold and clean
The unborn grass lies waiting
For its coat to turn to green
The snowbird sings the song he always sings
And speaks to me of flowers
That will bloom again in spring

When I was young my heart was young then too
Anything that it would tell me
That’s the thing that I would do
But now I feel such emptiness within
For the thing that I want most in life’s
The thing thing that I can’t win

Spread your tiny wings and fly away
And take the snow back with you
Where it came from on that day
The one I love forever is untrue
And if I could you know that I would
Fly away with you

The breeze along the river seems to say
That he’ll only break me heart again
Should I decide to stay
So little snowbird take me with you
When you go
To that land of gentle breezes
Where the peaceful waters flow

Spread your tiny wings and fly away
And take the snow back with you
Where it came from on that day
The one I love forever is untrue
And if I could you know that I would
Fly away with you