Introduction:
In 1960, a relatable tale of unrequited love and unspoken desires found its way onto the airwaves, courtesy of the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley. The song, “The Girl Of My Best Friend”, became a surprise hit on Elvis Is Back!, his second studio album following his return from military service. While Elvis was known for his electrifying performances and rockabilly swagger, “The Girl Of My Best Friend” showcased a different side of the singer – a vulnerable young man caught in the classic friend zone predicament.
Composed by songwriting duo Sam Bobrick and Beverly Ross, “The Girl Of My Best Friend” was originally released in 1959 by a lesser-known artist named Charlie Blackwell. However, the song failed to gain significant traction until Elvis Presley recorded it during a session at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee on April 3rd, 1960. Produced by the legendary Steve Sholes, who helmed many of Elvis’ early recordings, “The Girl Of My Best Friend” took on a new life with Presley’s signature charm and emotional delivery. The song’s melancholic melody, courtesy of a prominent piano and a backing chorus by The Jordanaires, provided the perfect backdrop for Elvis’ heartfelt vocals.
Lyrically, “The Girl Of My Best Friend” explores the internal struggle of a young man pining for his best friend’s girlfriend. The singer becomes increasingly captivated by her beauty and charm, detailing her “lovely hair” and “skin so fair.” Despite his growing feelings, the protagonist remains trapped by loyalty and fear of jeopardizing his friendship. He contemplates confessing his love but worries about the potential consequences, wondering, “What if she got real mad and told him so?” The song ends with a sense of resignation, as the singer longs for an end to his heartache and wonders if his feelings will ever fade.
While “The Girl Of My Best Friend” wasn’t a chart-topper in the United States, it resonated deeply with audiences. The song’s relatable theme and Elvis’ sincere performance struck a chord with listeners who had experienced similar situations. Interestingly, the song achieved greater success in the United Kingdom, reaching number nine on the UK Singles Chart in 1976, a testament to its enduring appeal. “The Girl Of My Best Friend” solidified Elvis Presley’s versatility as a performer, showcasing his ability to deliver a heartfelt ballad alongside his more energetic rock and roll numbers. The song remains a fan favorite and a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever found themselves stuck in the friend zone.