An American Trilogy by Elvis Presley (1972)

About The Song

This represents a live recording of an Elvis concert where he weaved together three 19th-century American folk songs: “Dixie,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “All My Trials” as a symbolic gesture to foster unity in America.

This musical fusion was meticulously arranged by Mickey Newbury, an American singer-songwriter who also penned Kenny Rogers And The First Edition’s hit, “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Is In).”

The recording of “An American Trilogy” captures a memorable moment from Elvis’ evening performance on June 10, 1972, at the Madison Square Garden arena in New York City. It marked his return to live performances in the Big Apple, a significant event as his last live shows there dated back to the 1950s.

In 2007, during a series of re-releases of Elvis’ songs in the UK, this particular song re-entered the UK charts, securing the 12th position.

Priscilla Presley has expressed her fondness for “An American Trilogy,” alongside another Elvis favorite, “If I Can Dream.”

Video

Lyrics

Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton
Old times they are not forgotten
Look away, look away, look away, Dixieland

Sing it, fellas.

Oh I wish I was in Dixie, away, away
In Dixieland
I’ll take my stand
To live and die in Dixie

For Dixieland I was born
Early Lord one frosty morn’
Look away, look away, look away, Dixieland

Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
His truth is marching on

So hush, little baby, don’t you cry
You know your daddy’s bound to die
But all my trials, Lord, soon be over

Glory, glory, hallelujah
His truth is marching on
His truth is marching on