Introduction
Released initially in 1955 as part of Elvis’s self-titled debut album, “Trying To Get To You” stands out as a more tender and vulnerable offering amidst the rock and roll energy that largely defined his early work. It offers a glimpse into the softer side of the young artist, showcasing a depth of feeling that belied his electrifying stage presence. The song wasn’t released as a single at the time, yet its quiet power allowed it to resonate deeply with those who discovered it on the album, eventually earning it a lasting place in Elvis’s enduring legacy.
The beauty of “Trying To Get To You” lies in its simplicity and sincerity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone relentlessly striving to reach a loved one, facing obstacles and enduring hardships with unwavering determination. Phrases like “across the mountains, over the sea” and “I’ve been travelin’ night and day” evoke a sense of relentless pursuit, a journey fueled by an unshakeable desire. This theme of longing and the arduous journey to connection is universal, resonating with the human experience of navigating distances, both physical and emotional, to be with someone who matters deeply.
Background
Musically, the track is a masterclass in understated emotion. The arrangement is relatively sparse, allowing Elvis’s vocal performance to take center stage. His delivery is raw and heartfelt, conveying the urgency and vulnerability of the lyrics with remarkable authenticity. You can hear the ache in his voice, the unwavering hope that fuels his tireless journey. The backing instrumentation, often featuring a gentle piano melody and subtle guitar work, complements the emotional intensity without ever overpowering it. This delicate balance between the vocal and the instrumentation creates an intimate and deeply moving listening experience.
It’s fascinating to consider the context in which “Trying To Get To You” was recorded. Elvis was on the cusp of superstardom, his music igniting a cultural revolution. Yet, within this whirlwind of rock and roll energy, he delivered a song that spoke to a more profound and universal human emotion. This duality – the rock and roll icon capable of such tender vulnerability – is part of what made Elvis so captivating and enduring.
Over the years, “Trying To Get To You” has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to this poignant ballad. However, Elvis’s original rendition remains the definitive version, imbued with the raw emotion of a young artist laying his heart bare. It’s a reminder that even amidst the excitement and energy of youth, there exists a deep capacity for longing and a relentless drive for connection.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
I’ve been traveling over milesEven through the valleys, tooI’ve been traveling night and dayI’ve been running all the wayBaby, trying to get to youEver since I read your letterWhere you said you loved me trueI’ve been traveling night and dayI’ve been running all the waybaby, trying to get to youWhen I read your loving letterThen my heart began to singThere were many miles between usBut they didn’t mean a thingI just had to reach you, babyIn spite of all that I’ve been throughI kept traveling night and dayI kept running all the wayBaby, trying to get to youWell if I had to do it overthat’s exactly what Id doI would travel night and dayAnd Id still run all the wayBaby, trying to get to youWell, there’s nothing that could hold meOr that could keep me away from youWhen your loving letter told meThat you really loved me trueLord above me knows I love youIt was He who brought me throughWhen my way was darkest nightHe would shine His brightest lightWhen I was trying to get to you