Introduction:
“We’re Gonna Move” is a song performed by the legendary American singer Elvis Presley. Released in 1956, it was included as part of the soundtrack for his first movie, Love Me Tender. This song is relatively lesser-known compared to some of Presley’s iconic hits, but it remains an interesting example of his early work, reflecting the influences that shaped his unique sound.
The song is a part of the Love Me Tender soundtrack album, which was released in conjunction with the film. Although We’re Gonna Move was not released as a single, it was featured alongside other tracks like the titular Love Me Tender, which became a massive hit and topped the Billboard charts. The movie itself was a significant point in Elvis’s career, marking his debut in Hollywood and helping to cement his status as a cultural icon.
Musically, We’re Gonna Move is rooted in rockabilly, a genre that Presley helped popularize in the mid-1950s. Rockabilly blends elements of country music and rhythm and blues, which were key influences in shaping Elvis’s sound during this period. The song has a lively, upbeat tempo and features Presley’s distinctive vocal style, which seamlessly blends both the rhythmic and melodic elements of early rock ‘n’ roll.
Though not one of Presley’s chart-topping singles, We’re Gonna Move contributed to his growing popularity and demonstrated his ability to blend various musical styles, from gospel to country to rock ‘n’ roll. The song’s lyrics talk about resilience and the theme of moving forward despite hardship, resonating with the optimism and energy of 1950s America.
Elvis’s Love Me Tender album, where this song is featured, achieved great success, supported by the film’s box office performance and Presley’s skyrocketing fame. Even though We’re Gonna Move did not independently chart, it remains a notable part of Elvis’s early body of work.