About the song
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “What Now My Love” stands as a testament to his ability to interpret and elevate a song beyond its original form. While the tune had its origins in the French song “Et maintenant,” popularized by Gilbert Bécaud, Elvis’s 1973 recording brought a unique depth and emotional resonance to the ballad.
This song, at its core, explores the profound sense of loss and disorientation that follows the departure of a beloved. It’s a universal theme, one that resonates deeply with those who have experienced the pain of separation. Elvis, in this period of his career, brought a seasoned maturity to his vocal delivery, conveying the raw emotion of the lyrics with a poignant sincerity.
The arrangement of “What Now My Love” as performed by Elvis is characterized by its grand, sweeping orchestral sound, a style that was prevalent in his later years. This approach allowed the song’s emotional weight to be fully realized, creating a powerful and moving listening experience. The rich instrumentation, combined with Elvis’s powerful vocals, elevated the song from a simple ballad to a dramatic and heartfelt declaration of sorrow.
For those who have lived through the ebb and flow of love and loss, “What Now My Love” offers a moment of reflection and empathy. It speaks to the universal experience of facing an uncertain future after a significant relationship has ended. Elvis’s interpretation of this song is not just a musical performance; it’s a deeply personal expression of vulnerability and longing, delivered with the vocal mastery that defined his legacy. The song remains a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of love and the challenges of moving forward.
Video
Lyrics
What now, my love, now that you left me?
How can I live through another day
Watching my dreams turn into ashes
And all my hopes into bits of clay?
Once I could see, once I could feel
Now I’m numb, I’ve become unreal
I walk the night, oh, without a goal
Stripped of my heart, my soul
What now, my love, now that it’s over?
I feel the world closing in on me
Here comes the stars tumbling around me
And there’s the sky where the sea should be
What now, my love, now that you’re gone?
I’d be a fool to go on and on
No one would care, no one would cry
If I should live or die
What now, my love, now there is nothing?
Only my last goodbye
Only my last goodbye
