Introduction
The King Takes on a Country Heartache: Elvis Presley’s “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'”
Elvis Presley’s 1969 rendition of “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'” might surprise some fans accustomed to his electrifying rock and roll. This soulful ballad originally belonged to Johnny Tillotson, who wrote and recorded it as a major hit in 1962. Tillotson’s inspiration for the song stemmed from a deeply personal experience – the terminal illness of his father. The lyrics paint a picture of a narrator struggling with the lingering pain of heartbreak, using vivid imagery like “tears that won’t dry” and a “love that’s gone cold.”
Presley’s version, recorded during the legendary “From Elvis in Memphis” sessions, takes a slightly different approach. While staying true to the song’s core message of heartbreak, Elvis injects a touch of Memphis soul. Recorded in just three takes, Elvis’s powerful vocals, possibly roughened by a cold at the time, deliver a raw and emotional performance. This stripped-down arrangement allows the depth of the lyrics to shine through, showcasing a different side of the King – one that resonates with vulnerability and heartache.
“It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin'” stands out on “From Elvis in Memphis” as a departure from the album’s more rocking tracks. However, it perfectly encapsulates Elvis’s versatility as a singer, his ability to deliver a soulful ballad with just as much conviction as his iconic rock performances. So, prepare to experience a different side of Elvis Presley, a side that lays bare the emotional wounds of love lost, as we delve into “It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin’.”