About the song
There are songs that entertain, songs that inspire, and then there are songs that transcend time to become something greater—something almost sacred. An American Trilogy is one of those songs. When Elvis Presley performed it, he wasn’t just singing; he was channeling history, emotion, and the very soul of a nation. Originally arranged by country artist Mickey Newbury as a medley of three distinct folk and patriotic songs, An American Trilogy took on a life of its own in the hands of Elvis Presley, becoming one of the most stirring and powerful performances of his later career.
By the early 1970s, Elvis Presley had transformed from a rock and roll rebel into a larger-than-life showman, capable of delivering dramatic and deeply moving performances. An American Trilogy was the perfect vehicle for this new phase of his artistry. The medley weaves together Dixie, a Southern anthem; The Battle Hymn of the Republic, a Union marching song; and All My Trials, a spiritual with Bahamian origins. In combining these three distinct pieces of American musical heritage, the song tells a story of conflict, sorrow, and ultimately, unity.
What makes Elvis Presley’s version so unforgettable is his ability to pour raw emotion into every note. Beginning with the soft, melancholic strains of Dixie, his voice is haunting, almost mournful, as he draws the listener in. Then, as the medley progresses, the intensity builds, and by the time he reaches The Battle Hymn of the Republic, his voice is soaring with passion and grandeur. The song’s climax, punctuated by powerful orchestration and a triumphant choir, turns the performance into something akin to a spiritual awakening—an anthem of resilience and hope.
For many fans, An American Trilogy remains one of Elvis Presley’s defining live performances, particularly his renditions from Aloha from Hawaii 1973 and his Las Vegas shows. It captures not just his vocal brilliance, but his ability to connect with an audience on a deeply emotional level. To this day, the song continues to move listeners, a testament to the power of music and the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, I wish I was in the land of cotton
Old things they are not forgotten
Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Oh, I wish I was in Dixie, away, away
In Dixieland I take my stand to live and die in Dixie
‘Cause Dixieland, that’s where I was born
Early Lord one frosty morning
Look away, look away, look away Dixieland
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
Glory, glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
So hush little baby
Don’t you cry
You know your daddy’s bound to die
But all my trials, Lord, will soon be over
Glory, glory hallelujah
His truth is marching on
His truth is marching on
