Gentle on My Mind – Elvis Presley

Introduction

“Gentle on My Mind” is one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved and enduring songs. It was originally recorded in 1969 for his album “From Elvis in Memphis.” The song was written by John Hartford, who performed it on the Glen Campbell Show in 1967. Presley’s version of the song became a hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has been covered by many other artists, including Joan Baez, Bobby Bare, and Nancy Sinatra.

The song is a ballad about a man who is reflecting on his life and the people he has met along the way. He sings about how he has always been gentle and kind, and how he has never wanted to hurt anyone. He also sings about how he is content with his life and the choices he has made.

The song has been praised for its beautiful melody and its heartfelt lyrics. It has been used in many movies and television shows, and it has been covered by many artists. “Gentle on My Mind” is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

History

The song was first recorded by John Hartford in 1967. His version was released on his album “John Hartford.” Hartford’s version of the song was not a commercial success, but it did attract the attention of Elvis Presley.

Presley recorded his version of the song in 1969. His version was produced by Chips Moman and Felton Jarvis. Presley’s version of the song was released as a single on June 17, 1969. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

“Gentle on My Mind” was a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1970. The song has been covered by many artists, including Joan Baez, Bobby Bare, and Nancy Sinatra.

Legacy

“Gentle on My Mind” is one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved and enduring songs. It is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.

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Lyrics

It’s knowin’ that your door is always open
And your path is free to walk
That makes me tend to leave my sleepin’ bag
Rolled up and stashed behind your couch

And it’s knowin’ I’m not shackled
By forgotten words and bonds
And the ink stains that have dried upon some line
That keeps you in the back roads

By the rivers of my memory
That keeps you ever gentle on my mind

It’s not clingin’ to the rocks and ivy
Planted on their columns now that bind me
Or something that somebody said because

They thought we fit together walkin’
It’s just knowing that the world
Will not be cursing or forgiving
When I walk along some railroad track and find

That you’re movin’ on the back roads
By the rivers of my memory
And for hours you’re just gentle on my mind

Though the wheat fields and the clothes lines
And the junkyards and the highways come between us
And some other woman’s cryin’ to her mother
‘Cause she turned and I was gone

I still might run in silence
Tears of joy might stain my face
And the summer sun might burn me till I’m blind
But not to where I cannot see

You walkin’ on the back roads
By the rivers flowin’ gentle on my mind

I dip my cup of soup back from a gurglin’ cracklin’ cauldron
In some train yard
My beard a rustlin’ coal pile
And a dirty hat pulled low across my face

Through cupped hands ’round a tin can
I pretend to hold you to my breast and find
That you’re waitin’ from the back roads

By the rivers of my memory
Ever smilin’, ever gentle on my mind