About the song
“The Wonder of You.” For many of us who witnessed his unparalleled career unfold, Elvis was more than just a musical artist; he was a cultural phenomenon, an icon who redefined what it meant to be a superstar. While his early rock and roll offerings undeniably shook the world, it’s often in his later work, particularly his live performances and studio recordings from the late 1960s and early 1970s, that we find him reaching the absolute pinnacle of his vocal and interpretative powers.
“The Wonder of You” was a massive international hit for Elvis Presley in 1970, recorded during one of his electrifying performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. This period marked a remarkable resurgence for Elvis, following his critically acclaimed 1968 ‘Comeback Special.’ He was back on stage, doing what he did best, and he was doing it with a newfound maturity and command. The song itself, written by Baker Knight, had been around for a few years, but it was Elvis’s rendition that truly made it a global phenomenon. It perfectly showcased his incredible range, his ability to inject every word with profound feeling, and his magnetic stage presence, even on a studio recording that captures a live moment.
What makes Elvis Presley’s performance of “The Wonder of You” so utterly captivating is the sheer power and vulnerability he brings to it. He doesn’t just sing the words; he lives them. The lyrics, a heartfelt declaration of overwhelming love and appreciation for another person, resonate deeply through his rich baritone. You can hear the adoration, the awe, and the genuine emotion in every phrase. The arrangement, often grand and sweeping with lush orchestration and backing vocals, perfectly complements Elvis’s booming voice, building to those iconic, soaring climaxes that were a hallmark of his Las Vegas era. It’s a testament to his ability to take a relatively simple ballad and elevate it into something truly epic, transforming it into an anthem of devotion.
For those of us who appreciate the artistry of a truly great vocalist, “The Wonder of You” stands as a magnificent example of Elvis Presley at his absolute best. It’s not just a song; it’s an experience. It reminds us of the profound connection he could forge with an audience, even through a recording, and the enduring power of his voice to convey the most powerful human emotions. It’s a timeless classic that continues to remind us of the unparalleled “wonder” that was and still is, Elvis Presley.
Video
Lyrics
Born in the heat of the desert
My mother died giving me life
Deprived of the love of a father
Blamed for the loss of his wife
You know lord i’ve been in a prison
For something that i never done
It’s been one hill after another
I’ve climbed them all one by oneBut this time, lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know i may never climb
It isn’t just a hill any longer
You gave me a mountain this timeMy woman got tired of heartaches
Tired of the grief and the strife
So tired of working for nothing
Just tired of being my wife
She took my one ray of sunshine
She took my pride and my joy
She took my reason for living
She took my small baby boyBut this time, lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know i may never climb
It isn’t just a hill any longer
You gave me a mountain this time
