Introduction:
“Are You Lonesome Tonight?” stands as one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic and enduring ballads, released in 1960. Written by Roy Turk and Lou Handman, the song showcases Presley’s remarkable vocal range and emotional depth. With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” has become a timeless classic, captivating listeners with its portrayal of love, longing, and heartache.
Did You Know:
- “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” was originally recorded by Charles Hart in 1927, but it was Elvis Presley’s rendition that catapulted the song to international fame. Presley’s recording, released as a single in 1960, topped the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, becoming one of his most successful songs.
- The song’s lyrics explore the theme of lost love and the lingering pain of separation. Presley’s emotive delivery, characterized by his soulful crooning and tender vocal nuances, conveys the emotional turmoil of the narrator as he grapples with feelings of loneliness and longing.
- One of the most memorable aspects of Presley’s recording is the spoken word passage in the middle of the song, where he recites a monologue from Shakespeare’s play “As You Like It.” This unexpected interlude adds a touch of theatricality to the song and has become a defining feature of Presley’s rendition.
- Over the years, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” has been covered by numerous artists, including Frank Sinatra, Al Green, and Norah Jones. Each interpretation brings a unique perspective to the song, showcasing its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and heartache.
- In 2007, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its enduring impact and cultural significance. The song’s legacy continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing its place as one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved and enduring classics.
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 dayWhen 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 tonightYou know someone said that the world’s a stage and each of us must play a partFate had me playing in love with you as my sweetheartAct one was where we metI loved you at first glanceYou read your lines so cleverly and never missed a cueThen came act two, you seemed to change, you acted strangeAnd why I’ve never knownHoney, you lied when you said you loved meAnd I had no cause to doubt youBut I’d rather go on hearing your liesThan to go on living without youNow the stage is bare and I’m standing thereWith emptiness all aroundAnd if you won’t come back to meThen they can bring the curtain downIs your heart filled with painShall I come back again?Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?