About the song
“Mary in the Morning.” This beautiful ballad, originally a hit for Al Martino in 1967, found a particularly poignant and intimate interpretation in Elvis Presley’s hands, notably appearing on his 1970 album That’s the Way It Is and frequently performed during his Las Vegas engagements around that time. While not a chart-topping single for him, it remains a beloved deep cut for fans, showcasing a more reflective and deeply emotional side of the King, far removed from his rock and roll swagger. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a gentle ode to the simple, profound joy found in the everyday presence of a cherished loved one.
The lyrics of “Mary in the Morning,” penned by Michael Rashkow and Johnny Cymbal, describe a scene of quiet contentment and deep love unfolding at the start of a new day. The narrator observes his beloved, Mary, as she wakes, seeing her in the soft morning light and reflecting on the beauty and peace she brings to his life. It’s a narrative free of grand gestures or dramatic declarations, focusing instead on the intimate, almost sacred moments of shared existence and the profound comfort found in a steady, loving presence. Phrases like “Nothing’s quite as lovely as Mary in the morning” and “And the sunshine warms the window / And warms the form beside me” perfectly capture this sense of serene appreciation and tender intimacy. The song speaks to the universal experience of valuing the quiet moments in a long-term relationship, recognizing that true beauty and love are often found in the unadorned reality of daily life. It’s about the profound security and deep contentment that comes from sharing your life with someone whose very presence transforms the ordinary into something truly special. It resonates deeply with anyone who cherishes the quiet rhythms of a loving partnership.
Elvis Presley’s vocal performance on “Mary in the Morning” is a testament to his incredible versatility and his profound ability to connect with a deeply emotional, understated lyric. By 1970, his voice had matured, gaining a richness and depth that allowed him to express tender emotions with remarkable authenticity. Here, he sets aside the usual powerful belts for a softer, more intimate approach, delivering the lyrics with a palpable sense of genuine tenderness, warmth, and a quiet adoration. He doesn’t just sing the words; he embodies the loving observer, making the listener feel every nuance of his affection and the profound peace he finds in Mary’s presence. There’s a remarkable sincerity in his phrasing, a gentle conviction in his voice that is both captivating and deeply moving. Elvis’s brilliance lies in his unparalleled ability to adapt his vocal style to the emotional core of the song, proving he was far more than just a rock and roller – he was a masterful interpreter of ballads, capable of incredible subtlety. It’s a masterclass in conveying quiet devotion.
The musical arrangement of “Mary in the Morning” in Elvis Presley’s rendition is characteristically lush but subtly so, perfectly fitting the song’s intimate and reflective themes. It typically features a gentle, melodic acoustic guitar or piano that provides a warm, inviting foundation, complemented by soft, sweeping strings that add a layer of romantic warmth without ever becoming overly dramatic. Subtle brass or woodwind flourishes might appear, adding texture rather than dominating. The rhythm section is gentle and unobtrusive, creating a peaceful, reflective pace that allows the listener to truly settle into the tender narrative. The instrumentation is tasteful and precise, never overpowering Elvis’s voice but instead providing a rich, supportive bed for his emotional delivery. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, allowing every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Elvis’s incredible vocal to be heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable accessibility. It’s an arrangement that feels both intimate and expansive, perfectly suited for a tender ode to love.
“Mary in the Morning” resonated profoundly with audiences because its themes of enduring love, quiet contentment, and the simple beauty of shared life are universally understood and intensely felt. It became a cherished piece for Elvis Presley fans, a true highlight that showcases his versatility and his profound emotional depth. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder of the serene beauty of “Mary in the Morning.”
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Lyrics
Nothing’s quite as pretty as Mary in the morning
When through the sleepy haze I see her lying there
Soft as the rain that falls on summer flowers
Warm as the sunlight shining on her golden hair
When I awake and see her there so close beside me
I want to take her in my arms
The ache is there so deep inside me
Nothing’s quite as pretty as Mary in the morning
Chasing the rainbow in her dreams so far away
And when she turns to touch me I kiss her face so softly
And then my Mary wakes to love and love again
And Mary’s there in summer days or stormy weather
She doesn’t care, ’cause right or wrong the love we share
We share together
Nothing’s quite as pretty as Mary in the evening
Kissed by the shade of night and starlight in her hair
And as we walk, I hold her close beside me
All our tomorrows for a lifetime we will share
