Introduction
Originally, this powerhouse ballad was the brainchild of Phil Spector, Barry Mann, and Cynthia Weil, and it soared to the top of the charts in 1964 when performed by The Righteous Brothers. Their version, with its dramatic “wall of sound” production, is undoubtedly a classic. However, when Elvis took on the song, he infused it with a different kind of magic.
Background
Elvis recorded “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” in 1969, during his legendary American Sound Studio sessions in Memphis. This period marked a significant resurgence in his career, a return to his roots, and a demonstration of his artistic vitality. He was no longer just the hip-swiveling heartthrob of the 50s; he was a mature artist, capable of delivering deeply emotional performances.
His version of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” is characterized by a raw, soulful delivery. You can hear the pain and longing in his voice, a vulnerability that resonates with anyone who’s experienced the heartache of a fading relationship. He doesn’t just sing the song; he lives it. The arrangement is also more stripped-down than the original, allowing Elvis’s voice to take center stage. The backing vocals, provided by The Sweet Inspirations, add a gospel-infused richness that further enhances the emotional depth of the performance.
What’s truly remarkable about Elvis’s rendition is how he manages to honor the essence of the original while stamping it with his own unmistakable style. He doesn’t try to outdo The Righteous Brothers; instead, he offers a different perspective, a more personal interpretation. It’s a testament to his versatility as a vocalist and his ability to connect with an audience on a profound level.
For those of us who’ve lived through the decades, this song evokes a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of a time when music was more than just a disposable commodity. It was an expression of deep emotions, a soundtrack to our lives. And Elvis’s version of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” stands as a powerful example of that enduring quality. It’s a song that speaks to the heart, a timeless classic performed by a true legend.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lipsThere’s no tenderness like before in you fingertipsYou’re trying hard not to show it (baby)But, baby, baby, I know itYou’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, oh, that lovin’ feelin’You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, now it’s gone, gone, goneThere’s no tenderness in your eyes when I reach out for youGirl, you’re starting to criticize every little thing I doIt makes me just feel like crying (baby)‘Cause baby, something beautiful’s dyingYou’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, oh, that lovin’ feelin’You’ve lost that lovin’ feelin’, now it’s gone, gone, goneBaby, baby, I’d get down on my knees for you (that’s how much I love you)(That’s how much I love you, sweet baby)If you would only love me like you used to do (that’s how much I love you)(That’s how much I love you, sweet baby)We had a love, love, a love you don’t find every day(Oh, no, you don’t find it every day, now)So don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t take it awayListen to me talkin’ to you