The Wonder of You: A History and Introduction

“The Wonder of You” is a ballad written by Baker Knight and Wayne Carson Thompson. It was first recorded by Ray Peterson in 1959, but it was Elvis Presley’s live version of the song, recorded in February 1970 and released as a single in April of that year, that became the most famous and successful rendition.

Elvis’s version of “The Wonder of You” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart for six weeks and number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song also peaked at number three on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Elvis’s performance of “The Wonder of You” at the International Hotel in Las Vegas on February 16, 1970, is considered to be one of his greatest live performances. The song was released on the live album On Stage February 1970, which also topped the charts in the UK.

“The Wonder of You” is a love song about the singer’s admiration for his beloved. The lyrics describe the singer’s amazement at the beauty, grace, and kindness of his lover. The song is also a celebration of love itself, and the way that it can transform and elevate our lives.

The song’s enduring popularity is due in part to Elvis’s passionate and heartfelt performance. Elvis’s vocals on the song are stunning, and he delivers the lyrics with great emotion. The song’s arrangement is also simple and effective, allowing Elvis’s voice to take center stage.

“The Wonder of You” has been covered by many artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Neil Diamond. However, Elvis’s version remains the definitive recording of the song. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

Introduction

“The Wonder of You” is a song that transcends time and genre. It is a love song that speaks to the universal human experience of falling in love. The song is also a celebration of the power of love to transform and elevate our lives.

Elvis Presley’s live version of “The Wonder of You” is one of his most iconic and beloved performances. Elvis delivers the song with passion and emotion, and his vocals are simply stunning. The song’s arrangement is simple and effective, allowing Elvis’s voice to take center stage.

“The Wonder of You” is a song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. It is a song that celebrates the beauty of love and the power of human connection.

The Wonder of You in the Context of Elvis’s Career

“The Wonder of You” was released at a time when Elvis’s career was experiencing a resurgence. In the late 1960s, Elvis had returned to live performing and was enjoying renewed popularity. His Las Vegas concerts were sold out night after night, and he was once again topping the charts.

“The Wonder of You” was one of the biggest hits of Elvis’s comeback era. It was a song that resonated with his fans, who appreciated Elvis’s return to his roots as a balladeer. The song also appealed to a new generation of listeners, who were drawn to Elvis’s charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals.

The Wonder of You is a song that is essential to any Elvis Presley fan’s collection. It is a timeless classic that showcases Elvis’s talent as a singer and performer. The song is also a celebration of the power of love and the human spirit.

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Lyrics

Let’s sing along with the lyrics!

When no-one else can understand me
When everything I do is wrong
You give me hope and consolation
You give me strength to carry on

And you’re always there to lend a hand
In everything I do
That’s the wonder
The wonder of you

And when you smile the world is brighter
You touch my hand and I’m a king
Your kiss to me is worth a fortune
Your love for me is everything

I’ll guess I’ll never know the reason why
You love me as you do
That’s the wonder
The wonder of you

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