About the song
“Solitaire” is a ballad that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever felt alone, even amidst a crowd. Elvis Presley’s rendition carries a weight of experience, his voice imbued with a sense of vulnerability and introspection that resonates deeply with listeners. The lyrics, originally written by Neil Sedaka and Philip Cody, paint a picture of a person grappling with solitude, searching for connection in a world that can often feel isolating.
What makes this song particularly compelling is its emotional honesty. Elvis doesn’t shy away from the pain of loneliness; he embraces it, giving voice to the feelings that many people experience but often struggle to articulate. For a mature audience, who have likely navigated the challenges of life’s transitions and losses, this song offers a sense of shared experience and understanding. We recognize the feeling of being alone, even when surrounded by others, and we appreciate the courage it takes to confront those feelings.
Elvis Presley’s vocal performance in “Solitaire” is nothing short of masterful. His voice, with its rich timbre and emotional depth, conveys the song’s message with a raw sincerity that is both moving and believable. He doesn’t just sing the words; he inhabits them, making the listener feel the weight of his emotions.
Musically, the song is a beautiful example of a late-period Elvis ballad. The arrangement, with its lush orchestration and its emphasis on melody, creates a backdrop that perfectly complements Elvis’s vocal performance. It’s a song that invites introspection, a moment of quiet reflection in a world that often feels too noisy.
“Solitaire” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s enduring artistry, his ability to connect with his audience on a deeply personal level. It’s a song that speaks to the universal human experience of loneliness, a reminder that even in our most solitary moments, we are not truly alone.
Video
Lyrics
There was a man, a lonely man
Who lost his love, through his indifference
A heart that cares that went unshared
Until it died within his silence
And solitaire’s the only game in town
And every road that takes him, takes him down
While life goes on around him everywhere
He’s playing solitaire
And keeping to himself, begins to deal
And still the king of hearts is well concealed
Another losing game comes to an end
And deals him out again
A little hope goes up in smoke
Just how it goes, goes without saying
There was a man, a lonely man
Who would command the hand he’s playing
And solitaire’s the only game in town
Every road that takes him, takes him down
While life goes on around him everywhere
He’s playing solitaire
And keeping to himself, begins to deal
And still the king of hearts is well concealed
Another losing game comes to an end
And deals him out again
And solitaire’s the only game in town
Every road that takes him, takes him down
Life goes on around him everywhere
He’s playing solitaire
