About the song
Released in 1960, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” is a poignant ballad that has become an iconic staple of Elvis Presley’s extensive discography. Written by Roy Turk and Lou Handman, this song has been a favorite among music lovers for generations, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of Elvis’s unique vocal style and the song’s universal themes of love, longing, and heartache.
The song’s narrative is a poignant expression of a lover’s yearning for their absent partner. Elvis’s smooth, velvety voice conveys the emotional depth of the lyrics, as he croons about the pangs of loneliness and the ache of separation. The song’s opening lines, “Is your heart filled with pain? Shall I come back again?” set the tone for a melancholic exploration of the human experience, as Elvis’s voice soars through the verses and choruses with a sense of longing that is both heartbreaking and relatable.
One of the key factors that has contributed to the song’s enduring popularity is its masterful blend of musical styles. The song’s arrangement, which features a lush orchestral backing and a subtle use of percussion, creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that draws the listener in. The song’s tempo is deliberate and measured, allowing Elvis’s voice to take center stage and convey the emotional intensity of the lyrics.
Throughout his career, Elvis Presley was known for his ability to connect with his audience on a deep emotional level, and “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” is a prime example of this. The song’s themes of love, loss, and longing are universal and timeless, and Elvis’s performance brings a sense of authenticity and sincerity to the lyrics that has resonated with listeners for decades.
In conclusion, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” is a masterpiece of popular music that continues to captivate audiences to this day. With its poignant lyrics, soaring melody, and Elvis’s iconic vocal performance, this song is a must-listen for anyone who loves music that speaks to the human heart.
Video
Lyrics
Are you lonesome tonight?
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a bright summer day
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?
Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?
I wonder if you’re lonesome tonight
You know someone said that the world’s a stage and each of us must play a part
Fate had me playing in love with you as my sweetheart
Act one was where we met
I loved you at first glance
You read your lines so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seemed to change, you acted strange
And why I’ve never known
Honey, you lied when you said you loved me
And I had no cause to doubt you
But I’d rather go on hearing your lies
Than to go on living without you
Now the stage is bare and I’m standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you won’t come back to me
Then they can bring the curtain down
Is your heart filled with pain
Shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?