About the song
“What Now My Love” by Elvis Presley! A truly powerful and emotionally resonant song. This is a track that speaks volumes about Elvis’s evolution as an artist and his remarkable ability to convey deep sentiment through his voice. For those of us who have followed his journey, this song represents a different facet of the King, moving beyond the rock and roll swagger into a more mature and introspective realm.
“What Now My Love” wasn’t originally an Elvis composition; it’s an English adaptation of the French song “Et maintenant,” made famous by Gilbert Bécaud. However, when Elvis Presley took hold of it, he infused it with his own unique blend of vulnerability and power, transforming it into something distinctly his own. This was a period where Elvis was exploring a broader range of musical styles, showcasing the depth and versatility of his vocal instrument.
The arrangement of Elvis Presley’s rendition is also noteworthy. The sweeping orchestral backdrop, often featuring lush strings and a prominent piano, provides a dramatic and poignant setting for his vocal delivery. It builds gradually, mirroring the escalating emotion within the lyrics. Elvis’s voice, rich with texture and feeling, soars through the melody, conveying a sense of longing, regret, and perhaps even a touch of desperation. You can hear the experience in his phrasing, the way he lingers on certain notes, and the subtle nuances in his tone. It’s a performance that truly tugs at the heartstrings.
“What Now My Love” became a staple in Elvis’s live performances, particularly during his later years. It was a song that allowed him to showcase his vocal prowess and connect with his audience on a deeply emotional level. The sincerity in his delivery was palpable, and it’s clear that he felt a strong connection to the lyrics. For many, this song represents a more mature and perhaps even a more vulnerable side of the seemingly invincible King. It’s a testament to his artistry that he could take a song with its own history and imbue it with such personal and universal emotion.
Listening to Elvis Presley sing “What Now My Love” today is like revisiting a moment in time when raw emotion and masterful vocal technique converged. It stands as a powerful example of his ability to interpret and elevate a song, making it an indelible part of his vast and enduring musical legacy. It’s a track that continues to resonate with audiences across generations, a reminder of the King’s unparalleled talent and his capacity to touch us deeply through his music. The sheer emotional weight he brings to the song is a key reason why it remains a beloved piece in his extensive catalog.
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
