About the song
“Promised Land” by Elvis Presley is an upbeat and energetic rock and roll number with a distinct country flavor, released in 1975. This song, written by Chuck Berry and a staple of his own repertoire, took on a new dimension in Presley’s hands, becoming a vibrant expression of hope, determination, and the yearning for a better future. It showcases Presley’s enduring enthusiasm for rock and roll and his ability to connect with themes of aspiration and the search for a place to call home. It’s more than just a song about travel; it’s a spirited anthem about pursuing dreams and the belief in a brighter tomorrow.
Chuck Berry’s original “Promised Land” is a classic example of his storytelling prowess, chronicling a journey from Norfolk, Virginia, to the West Coast, filled with vivid imagery of Greyhound buses, highway signs, and the anticipation of reaching the “Promised Land” of California. Presley’s rendition retains the narrative thread of this journey but often injects it with a more fervent and almost gospel-tinged energy. His vocal delivery conveys a strong sense of hope and determination, as if the destination represents not just a physical location but also a state of personal fulfillment and peace.
Elvis Presley’s vocal style in “Promised Land” demonstrates his enduring power and his ability to infuse a song with his unique blend of rock and roll energy and heartfelt sincerity. He delivers the lyrics with a confident and enthusiastic tone, his voice ringing with a sense of optimism and forward momentum. The instrumentation in Presley’s version typically features a driving rhythm section, energetic electric guitars with a rockabilly edge, and often prominent backing vocals that add a gospel-like fervor to the chorus, amplifying the feeling of hopeful anticipation. The arrangement is dynamic and propulsive, perfectly mirroring the journey and the yearning for the destination. The inclusion of piano and saxophone further enhances the song’s upbeat and classic rock and roll feel.
The enduring appeal of “Promised Land” lies in its universal message of hope and the pursuit of a better future. It resonates with the fundamental human desire for a place of peace and opportunity. Presley’s energetic performance and the song’s optimistic spirit make it an uplifting and enduring classic in his extensive catalog. His passionate delivery imbues the journey with a sense of purpose and the destination with a feeling of genuine promise.
“Promised Land” as performed by Elvis Presley is more than just a cover of a Chuck Berry song; it’s a spirited and hopeful anthem about the pursuit of dreams and the belief in a brighter future, delivered with the King’s enduring energy and heartfelt sincerity. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless appeal of aspiration and the powerful connection between music and the yearning for a better tomorrow.
Video
Lyrics
Aw, get on it
I left my home in Norfolk, Virginia, California on my mind
I straddled that Greyhound and rode him into Raleigh and on across Caroline
We had motor trouble that turned into a struggle halfway across Alabam’
Well, that ‘hound broke down and left us all stranded in downtown Birmingham
Right away, I bought me a thorough train ticket right across Mississippi clean
I was on that midnight flyer out of Birmingham, Smokin’ into New Orleans
Somebody help me get out of Louisiana, just help me get to Houston town
There are people there who care a little about me
And they won’t let the poor boy down, take it
Sure as you’re born, they bought me a silk suit, put luggage in my hand
And I woke up high over Albuquerque on a jet to the Promised Land
A-workin’ on a T-bone steak à la carte, flyin’ over to the Golden State
When the pilot told us in 13 minutes, he would set us at the terminal gate
Swin’ low, chariot, come down easy, Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings and let me make it to the telephone
Los Angeles, get me Norfolk, Virginia, Tidewater 4-1009
Tell the folks back home this is the Promised Land callin’
And the poor boy is on the line
A-workin’ on a T-bone steak à la carte, flyin’ over to the Golden State
When the pilot told us in 13 minutes, he would set us at the terminal gate
Swin’ low, chariot, come down easy, Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings and let me make it to the telephone
Los Angeles, give me Norfolk, Virginia, Tidewater 4-1009
Tell the folks back home this is the Promised Land callin’
And the poor boy is on the line
