Did you know?
Elvis Presley’s premature passing on August 16, 1977, marked the conclusion of an era in rock and roll music as the world had known it. Struggling with years of alcohol and prescription drug misuse, the demise of one of history’s greatest performers occurred at the tender age of 42. However, a mere two months before his untimely death, Elvis Presley graced the stage for a momentous performance, captured for posterity.
Despite the now-known extent of his health issues and battles with addiction, The King delivered a rendition of ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’ that has become immortalized in history. Introducing the song to the audience, Elvis embarked on what would be the final recorded performance of his career. Strumming his guitar, his unmistakable voice resonated with the immortal opening line: “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” amidst the screams of the crowd, nearly drowned out by their enthusiasm. Though the star appeared more bloated than his youthful self, and his body teetered on the edge, his vocal prowess remained as robust as ever.
As the song transitioned to its spoken part, Elvis encountered stumbles and forgetfulness, sharing laughs with the audience over his momentary lapse. Despite the awkwardness and visible perspiration, once he resumed singing, the words flowed back naturally, concluding the performance with remarkable vocal skill. The end of the song marked the end of an era—just 56 days later, Elvis Presley would depart from the world.
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Lyrics
Are you lonesome tonight?
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a bright summer day
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?
Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?
I wonder if you’re lonesome tonight
You know someone said that the world’s a stage and each of us must play a part
Fate had me playing in love with you as my sweetheart
Act one was where we met
I loved you at first glance
You read your lines so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seemed to change, you acted strange
And why I’ve never known
Honey, you lied when you said you loved me
And I had no cause to doubt you
But I’d rather go on hearing your lies
Than to go on living without you
Now the stage is bare and I’m standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you won’t come back to me
Then they can bring the curtain down
Is your heart filled with pain
Shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?