About the song
Released in 1971, a period where Elvis was exploring a more mature and introspective sound, “There Goes My Everything” wasn’t a chart-topping, earth-shattering hit in the same vein as his earlier rock anthems. Yet, over the years, it has quietly cemented its place as a beloved standard, a testament to the King’s ability to convey profound emotion through song. The track showcases a different facet of Elvis, one that speaks to the universal experience of heartache with a sincerity that is both captivating and relatable, especially for those of us who have navigated the complexities of love and relationships over the years.
The beauty of “There Goes My Everything” lies in its simplicity and its raw emotional honesty. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man watching his world crumble as a loved one walks away. Phrases like “walking down the street of dreams” and “yesterday is dead and gone” evoke a sense of nostalgia and the irreversible nature of lost love. Elvis’s delivery is masterful; his voice, rich with a seasoned warmth, carries the weight of the lyrics, each note imbued with a palpable sense of sorrow. You can almost feel the lump in his throat as he sings of the emptiness left behind.
The musical arrangement, while understated, perfectly complements the song’s melancholic mood. The gentle piano melody, the subtle strings, and the unhurried tempo create an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, allowing Elvis’s vocal performance to take center stage. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t need grand theatrics or flashy production; its power lies in its directness and its emotional authenticity. It speaks to a fundamental human experience – the pain of separation and the feeling that a part of oneself is lost when a significant relationship ends.
For those of us who have lived through the ebb and flow of life, with its joys and its sorrows, “There Goes My Everything” resonates on a deeper level. It reminds us of the fragility of love and the profound impact that another person can have on our world. It’s a song that understands the quiet devastation that follows a breakup, the feeling that everything meaningful has gone with the departing loved one. Elvis Presley may be best remembered for his rock and roll energy, but his rendition of “There Goes My Everything” proves his remarkable ability to connect with listeners through vulnerability and heartfelt emotion, solidifying its place as a timeless ballad that continues to touch the hearts of generations. It’s a reminder that even the King of Rock and Roll understood the profound ache of a love that slipped away.
Video
Lyrics
One, two, three
There goes my only possession
Oh, there goes my everything
I hear footsteps slowly walking
As they gently walk across the lonely floor
And a voice is softly saying
Darling, this will be goodbye for evermore
There goes my reason for living
Oh, there goes the one of my dreams
There goes my only possession
Oh, there goes my everything
As my memory turns back the pages
I can see the happy years we’ve had before
Now the love that kept this old heart beating
Has been shattered by the closing of the door
Well, there goes my reason for living
Oh, there goes the one of my dreams
Well, there goes my only possession
Oh, there goes my everything
There goes my only possession
Oh, there goes my everything
