About the song
“The Girl of My Best Friend” by Elvis Presley is a tender and somewhat melancholic ballad that appeared on his 1960 album “Elvis Is Back!” This song, originally a B-side for Charlie Blackwell in 1959, found greater recognition through Presley’s heartfelt rendition, which showcases a more vulnerable and introspective side of his early post-army recordings. It’s more than just a simple song about unrequited love; it’s a poignant and relatable expression of the quiet anguish of admiring someone from afar, knowing they belong to another.
The song’s lyrics tell a story of a man deeply in love with “the girl of my best friend.” He describes her admirable qualities and acknowledges the happiness she brings to his friend, creating a bittersweet scenario where his own feelings must remain unspoken. The narrator is caught in a delicate balance of affection and loyalty, admiring her beauty and kindness while resigned to the fact that she is not his. This creates a palpable sense of longing and internal conflict, as he cherishes her presence in his life while simultaneously yearning for a deeper connection that can never be.
Elvis Presley’s vocal delivery in “The Girl of My Best Friend” is characterized by a gentle sincerity and a touch of wistful sadness. His smooth tenor conveys the narrator’s quiet admiration and his underlying heartache with a remarkable sensitivity. He avoids dramatic flourishes, instead opting for a more intimate and heartfelt approach that allows the listener to connect directly with his unspoken feelings. The backing vocals by The Jordanaires add a classic doo-wop touch, enhancing the song’s tender and slightly nostalgic atmosphere.
The musical arrangement of “The Girl of My Best Friend” is relatively simple and uncluttered, typical of the early 1960s ballad style. It features a gentle rhythm section, subtle piano chords, and understated guitar work, all of which serve to support Presley’s vocals and the emotional weight of the lyrics. The focus remains firmly on the narrative and the singer’s heartfelt delivery, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The overall effect is one of quiet longing and a poignant acceptance of a difficult situation.
The enduring appeal of “The Girl of My Best Friend” lies in its universally relatable theme of unrequited love and the delicate balance between friendship and unspoken affection. It speaks to the quiet suffering of admiring someone from afar and the internal struggle of wanting something that is just out of reach. Presley’s sincere and tender rendition captures the emotional nuances of this situation perfectly, making it a poignant and memorable ballad in his extensive catalog for those who appreciate heartfelt storytelling in song.
“The Girl of My Best Friend” is more than just an early ballad by Elvis Presley; it’s a tender and sincere exploration of unrequited love and the quiet heartache of admiring someone who belongs to another, delivered with his characteristic vocal warmth and sensitivity. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable theme and its heartfelt delivery, making it a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and friendship.
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Lyrics
The way she walks
The way she talks
How long can I pretend
Oh I can’t help it, I’m in love
with the girl of my best friend
Her lovely hair
Her skin so fair
I could go on and never end
Oh I can’t help it, I’m in love
With the girl of my best friend
I want to tell her how I love her so
And then hold her in my arms but then
What if she got real mad and told him so
I could never face either one again
oh the way they kiss
Their happiness
Will my aching heart ever mend
Or will I always be in love
With the girl of my best friend
Never end
Will it ever end
Please let it end
Will it ever end
