About the song
“Unchained Melody” by Elvis Presley. Now, there’s a song that holds a special, almost haunting place in the vast tapestry of his work. While many might first think of The Righteous Brothers’ iconic 1965 rendition, Elvis’s version, particularly the one from his later career, offers a profound and deeply moving interpretation that resonates with an altogether different kind of power. It’s a testament to his ability to take a well-known piece and imbue it with his own unique spirit, even in the twilight of his performing days.
This particular recording, captured live in June of 1977, just two months before his untimely passing, is often cited as one of the most poignant moments of his later career. At this point, Elvis was grappling with significant health challenges, and while his physical presence might have shown the strain, his voice – that magnificent, emotionally charged instrument – remained largely undimmed. When he sat down at the piano, often accompanying himself, to deliver “Unchained Melody”, it was a moment of raw vulnerability and undeniable vocal prowess.
For those of us who have lived long enough to understand the weight of longing and the passage of time, Elvis’s “Unchained Melody” hits profoundly. He sings of “hungering for your touch, a long, lonely time,” and in his voice, you can hear not just the lyrics, but the accumulated experiences of a lifetime. There’s a fragility there, perhaps, but also an immense strength and a palpable yearning that transcends the stage. It’s a performance that strips away the flash and bravado, revealing the pure, unadulterated emotion of a man pouring his heart into a song. It’s a powerful reminder that even as the body falters, the spirit and the voice, when truly connected to the material, can still achieve moments of breathtaking beauty and leave an indelible mark on the soul. It’s a bittersweet listen, certainly, knowing the context, but it’s also a powerful affirmation of the King’s enduring artistry, even in his most vulnerable moments.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
Time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
Lonely rivers flow
To the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely rivers cry
Wait for me, wait for me
I’ll be coming home, wait for me
Oh, my love, my darling
I’ve hungered for your touch
A long, lonely time
I need your love
I need your love
God speed your love to me
