Introduction:
Elvis Presley, the iconic singer often referred to as the King of Rock and Roll, had a career that transcended genres. While his energetic performances and signature hip-shaking moves made him a rock and roll pioneer, Presley also possessed a remarkable ability to deliver soulful ballads. Early Morning Rain, released in 1957, exemplifies this versatility and remains a poignant testament to his vocal talents.
While the exact recording date is uncertain, most sources place it around February 1957 at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. The session was produced by Sam Phillips, legendary record producer who had discovered Presley at Sun Studio in Memphis a few years prior. Phillips played a pivotal role in shaping Presley’s early career, recognizing his charisma and raw talent that would later take the world by storm. Early Morning Rain was not credited with a songwriter on its original release, though it was later revealed to be written by Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot. Lightfoot, then an unknown artist, had sold the song to Presley’s publisher for a mere $20.
Early Morning Rain is a stark departure from Presley’s usual rockabilly sound. The ballad features a melancholic piano melody accompanied by a gentle downbeat rhythm section. Presley’s vocals are subdued yet emotive, conveying a sense of loneliness and despair. The lyrics paint a picture of a weary traveler, down on his luck and far from home. Lines like “In the early morning rain with a dollar in my hand / And an aching in my heart and my pockets full of sand” create a vivid image of hardship and resilience.
Early Morning Rain was not a major commercial success upon its initial release. It wasn’t included on any of Presley’s studio albums in 1957 and was relegated to a B-side of the single “Playing for Keeps”. However, the song’s quiet power resonated with fans and critics alike. It became a staple of Presley’s live performances throughout his career, often delivered with a heartfelt sincerity that captivated audiences. Over the years, Early Morning Rain has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Today, Early Morning Rain is recognized as a significant song in Presley’s catalog. It stands as a reminder of his exceptional vocal range and ability to connect with listeners on a deeper emotional level. The song’s enduring popularity showcases Presley’s impact not just on rock and roll, but on popular music as a whole.
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Lyrics:
Yeah, that Hawaiian wedding song has always been tough, tough to singThe night I recorded it, I did it all night, worked on it all nightYeah, it’s just that it’s difficult(Are you actually the person that did it?)Ah, no, there was some other people who did itBut I had all those, uh, I had all those guys, uh, y’know?Doing the Hawaiian stuff in the background
In the early mornin’ rainWith a dollar in my handAnd an aching in my heartAnd my pockets full of sandI’m a long ways from homeAnd I missed my loved one soIn the early mornin’ rainWith no place to go
Out on runway number nineBig 707 set to goWell, I’m out here on the grassWhere the pavement never growsWhere the liquor tasted goodAnd the women all were fastThere she goes, my friendShe’s rolling out at last
Hear the mighty engines roar (hear the mighty engines roar)See the silver wing on high (see the silver wing on high)She’s away and westward boundFor above the clouds, she fliesWhere the mornin’ rain don’t fallAnd the sun always shinesShe’ll be flying over my homeIn about three hours time
This ol’ airport’s got me downIt’s no earthly good to me‘Cause I’m stuck here on the groundCold and drunk as I might beCan’t jump a jet plane (can’t jump a plane)Like you can a freight train (like a freight train)
So I best be on my wayIn the early mornin’ rainSo I best be on my wayIn the early mornin’ rainSo I best be on my wayIn the early mornin’ rain
Ah, you guys, lemme hear the, the, uh, the beat back there, don’t be-Don’t hold back too muchI said, don’t hold back too much, let me hear the feels and the beatsIt’s awfully isolated out hereAh, thank you, Rodney