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Introduction to Elvis Presley’s “I’m Leavin'”
Elvis Presley’s “I’m Leavin'” is a haunting and introspective ballad that was released in 1971. The song was written by Sonny Charles and Michael Jarrett, and it was one of Presley’s personal favorites.
The song tells the story of a man who is leaving behind a life of regret and disillusionment. He is tired of the same old routine and the same old people, and he is ready to start a new life somewhere else. He sings, “I’m leavin’, I’m leavin’ this town / I’m leavin’ all my memories behind / I’m leavin’ all my troubles behind / I’m leavin’ all my broken dreams behind.”
The song is a powerful expression of hope and determination. The man is leaving behind his past, but he is not giving up on his future. He knows that there are better things ahead, and he is ready to embrace them.
“I’m Leavin'” was recorded in Nashville on May 20, 1971. Presley was in the middle of a difficult period in his life, both personally and professionally. He was struggling with addiction, and his marriage to Priscilla Presley was on the rocks. However, he was also determined to make a comeback.
“I’m Leavin'” is one of the best songs from Presley’s post-comeback era. It is a beautifully written and performed song that showcases his vocal range and emotional depth.
The song was released as a single in June 1971, and it reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also a hit in the UK, reaching number 23.
“I’m Leavin'” has been covered by many other artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Bruce Springsteen. However, Presley’s version remains the definitive recording.
The song’s history
“I’m Leavin'” was originally written by Sonny Charles and Michael Jarrett in 1969. Charles was a songwriter who had written several hits for other artists, including “Without a Net” for Conway Twitty and “Delta Dawn” for Alex Harvey. Jarrett was a young songwriter who was just starting out.
Charles and Jarrett wrote “I’m Leavin'” in a single afternoon. They were sitting on Charles’ porch in Nashville, and they were inspired by the story of a man who was leaving town to start a new life.
Charles and Jarrett initially offered “I’m Leavin'” to Johnny Cash, but he turned it down. They then offered it to Elvis Presley, who immediately fell in love with it.
Presley recorded “I’m Leavin'” on May 20, 1971, at RCA Studio B in Nashville. The song was produced by Felton Jarvis, and it features a simple but effective arrangement with piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
Presley’s performance on “I’m Leavin'” is one of his most moving and emotional. He sings the song with a sense of longing and regret, but also with a determination to start over.
“I’m Leavin'” was released as a single in June 1971, and it reached number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also a hit in the UK, reaching number 23.
The song’s significance
“I’m Leavin'” is a significant song in Elvis Presley’s career for several reasons. First, it is one of the best songs from his post-comeback era. It is a beautifully written and performed song that showcases his vocal range and emotional depth.
Second, the song was released at a time when Presley was struggling with addiction and personal problems. However, the song is not about despair or defeat. Instead, it is about hope and determination. Presley’s performance on the song conveys a sense of resilience and strength.
Finally, “I’m Leavin'” is a song that resonates with many people. It is a song about leaving behind the past and starting a new life. It is a song about hope and the possibility of a better future.
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Lyrics
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