About the song
“(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” by Elvis Presley, a vibrant and somewhat bittersweet rock and roll number that showcases his versatility and his ability to inject a seemingly lighthearted tune with underlying emotional complexity. Released as a double A-side single with “Little Sister” in 1961, this song, penned by the renowned songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, became another significant hit for the King, demonstrating his continued relevance in the evolving musical landscape of the early sixties. It’s more than just a catchy tune about a new romance; it’s a narrative tinged with the subtle pain of lost love and the bittersweet nature of moving on.
The lyrics of “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” tell a story from the perspective of someone who encounters an old friend excitedly sharing news of his new love, whose name is Marie. While the friend is overjoyed with his “latest flame,” the narrator subtly reveals a deeper connection to this “Marie,” hinting that she was once his own love. The seemingly cheerful recounting of the friend’s newfound romance is juxtaposed with the narrator’s unspoken memories and perhaps a touch of lingering heartache. The repeated mention of “Marie’s the name” becomes a poignant reminder of a shared past and a current, albeit separate, happiness. Elvis Presley’s vocal delivery is characteristically smooth and engaging, with a seemingly upbeat energy that belies the underlying emotional nuance of the lyrics. He delivers the story with a conversational ease, yet there’s a subtle undercurrent of melancholy that hints at his past connection with Marie. This nuanced delivery adds a layer of emotional depth to what might otherwise be a straightforward song about a new romance.
The musical arrangement of “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” is a lively and infectious blend of rock and roll with a touch of early sixties pop sensibility. Featuring a driving rhythm section, prominent electric guitars with a clean and melodic tone, and the energetic backing vocals of The Jordanaires, the instrumentation creates an upbeat and engaging sound. The subtle inclusion of piano and even a hint of a Bo Diddley beat adds to the song’s unique flavor. The production is polished and radio-friendly, contributing to its widespread appeal. The catchy melody and the infectious rhythm make it a quintessential early sixties rock and roll tune, yet the lyrical narrative adds a layer of emotional complexity that sets it apart.
(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” was another testament to Elvis Presley’s ability to take well-crafted songs and imbue them with his own unique style and emotional depth. The songwriting of Pomus and Shuman, combined with Elvis’s engaging performance, created a hit that resonated with audiences on multiple levels – as a catchy rock and roll tune and as a subtly poignant story of past and present love.
In essence, “(Marie’s the Name) His Latest Flame” is more than just a cheerful rock and roll song about a new romance; it’s a nuanced narrative tinged with the bittersweet undertones of lost love and the complexities of moving on, delivered with Elvis Presley’s signature engaging vocal style and backed by a lively and infectious arrangement. The repeated emphasis on “Marie’s the name” serves as a reminder of a shared past amidst the celebration of a new “latest flame.”
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Lyrics
A very old friend came by today
‘Cause he was telling everyone in town
Of the love that he just found
And Marie’s the name of his latest flame
He talked and talked and I heard him say
That she had the longest, blackest hair
The prettiest green eyes anywhere
And Marie’s the name of his latest flame
Though I smiled, the tears inside were burning
I wished him luck and then he said goodbye
He was gone but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cry?
Would you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and swore to me
She’d be mine eternally
And Marie’s the name of his latest flame
Though I smiled, the tears inside were a-burning
I wished him luck and then he said goodbye
He was gone but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cry?
Would you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and swore to me
She’d be mine eternally
And Marie’s the name of his latest flame
Yeah, Marie’s the name of his latest flame
Oh, Marie’s the name of his latest flame
And Marie’s the name of his latest flame
