Elvis Presley: A Cryptic Question in “What Now, What Next, Where To?”
Elvis Presley’s “What Now, What Next, Where To?” is a haunting exploration of existential despair and the elusive nature of human purpose. Released in 1967 as a bonus track on the album Double Trouble, the song stands as a stark departure from the typically upbeat and energetic fare associated with the King of Rock and Roll.
Background
A product of the mid-1960s, a time when Presley was grappling with both personal and professional challenges, the song reflects the singer’s introspection and vulnerability. The lyrics, filled with questions and uncertainties, paint a portrait of a man adrift, searching for meaning in a world that seems increasingly devoid of it. Presley’s vocal delivery is marked by a raw, emotional intensity, conveying the character’s profound sense of isolation and confusion.
The song’s minimalist arrangement, characterized by sparse instrumentation and a haunting melody, underscores the lyrics’ somber tone. The absence of a definitive chorus further contributes to the song’s unsettling atmosphere, leaving the listener suspended in a state of contemplation.
“What Now, What Next, Where To?” is a testament to Presley’s artistic range and his willingness to explore the darker corners of the human psyche. It is a song that transcends its era, resonating with listeners who have experienced moments of doubt and uncertainty. While often overshadowed by Presley’s more commercially successful works, this track remains a hidden gem, a poignant reminder of the singer’s complex and multifaceted artistry.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Like a ship without a compass on a cold lonely seaNo beacon light of love to guide me throughI lost the only treasure that means anything to meWhat now, what next, where to?I thought I had a love that would be mine eternallyI felt so sure you’d be forever trueNow everything I counted on has crumbled under youWhat now, what next, where to?You were part of every dream I dreamed, of everything I plannedHow could I know our castles were built upon the sandWon’t heaven send an angel, please, to tell me what to do?What now, what next, where to?What now, what next, where to?