About The Song
“It’s Now or Never” is a timeless ballad recorded by the legendary American singer Elvis Presley. Released in 1960, the song quickly became one of Elvis’s signature tracks and is often regarded as one of his greatest hits. The song’s melody is based on the Italian ballad “O Sole Mio,” but Elvis’s rendition adds a new dimension to the classic tune.
“It’s Now or Never” features Elvis’s powerful and emotive vocals, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotions through his music. The lyrics tell the story of a romantic plea, urging a lover to seize the moment and declare their love before it’s too late. The song’s passionate and urgent tone resonates with listeners, making it a favorite among fans of various generations.
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “It’s Now or Never” reached the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Elvis’s vocal prowess and his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level. The song continues to be celebrated as a classic in the realm of both pop and romantic ballads, solidifying Elvis Presley’s legacy as the King of Rock and Roll.
Did You Know?
Elvis Presley’s classic “It’s Now or Never” drew its inspiration from the Italian song “O Sole Mio,” originally recorded by Giuseppe Anselmi in 1907. During his time stationed in Germany with the US army, Elvis encountered “O Sole Mio” and upon his discharge, he requested an English version. Songwriters Aaron Schroeder and Wally Gold swiftly crafted the translation, resulting in a massive hit that topped the charts for five weeks, surpassing even the popular “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.”
This marked a departure from Elvis’s typical rock and roll style, prompting speculation about his musical direction. His subsequent hit, “Are You Lonesome Tonight,” from 1926, further fueled these speculations. However, in hindsight, it was evident that Elvis was diversifying his musical repertoire, exploring various styles and maturing as an artist. Despite the romantic undertones in “It’s Now or Never,” expressed through passionate lyrics, Elvis skillfully delivered lines that might have sounded trite from an average performer.
Aaron Schroeder, the songwriter behind this hit, also penned other Elvis classics like “Stuck on You” and “A Big Hunk O’ Love.” Additionally, he composed the theme song for the popular TV series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! Schroeder’s influence extended beyond Elvis; he played a pivotal role in the early careers of artists like Jimi Hendrix and Barry White.
“It’s Now or Never” faced challenges during its release due to copyright issues with “O Sole Mio.” Despite this hurdle, the song climbed to #1 on November 3, 1960, holding the top position in the UK for eight weeks. The song’s impact was profound; it even inspired Barry White, who, after hearing it in jail, decided to pursue a career in music.
During the recording sessions in 1960, Elvis’s dedication to perfection shone through. Bill Porter, the esteemed audio engineer who worked with stars like Elvis Presley and The Everly Brothers, recalled a session where Elvis’s commitment to his craft was evident. Despite the vocal challenges posed by the song’s range, Elvis insisted on recording it meticulously until he achieved the desired result, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his artistry.
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Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
It’s now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late
It’s now or never
My love won’t waitWhen I first saw you
With your smile so tender
My heart was captured
My soul surrendered
I’d spend a lifetime
Waiting for the right time
Now that you’re near
The time is here at lastIt’s now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late
It’s now or never
My love won’t waitJust like a willow
We would cry an ocean
If we lost true love
And sweet devotion
Your lips excite me
Let your arms invite me
For who knows when
We’ll meet again this wayIt’s now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow will be too late
It’s now or never
My love won’t waitIt’s now or never
My love won’t waitIt’s now or never
My love won’t waitIt’s now or never
My love won’t wait