Elvis Presley’s “I Need Somebody to Lean On”. Now that’s a song that deserves a closer listen. Released in 1971, it might surprise some to learn it wasn’t actually part of the King’s meteoric rise in the 50s.
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This soulful ballad emerged from the recording sessions for his 1964 film Viva Las Vegas, a time when his career had transitioned towards a more cinematic focus.
But “I Need Somebody to Lean On” stands apart from the usual upbeat Vegas fare. This is a song steeped in vulnerability. The bravado of the early “Hound Dog” days is replaced by a quiet desperation, a plea for solace.
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The lyrics, penned by songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, paint a picture of a man on the edge. “I need somebody to lean on,” Presley croons, his voice a hushed whisper, “I’m tired of being unhappy and so blue.”
What truly elevates the song is Presley’s vocal delivery. We’re accustomed to his powerful, energetic performances, but here he adopts a remarkably restrained approach.
There’s a tremor in his voice, a raw honesty that lays bare his emotional state. It’s a side of Elvis rarely seen, a glimpse into the man behind the superstar persona.
This vulnerability is further accentuated by the stripped-down musical arrangement. The usual bombast of Presley’s backing band is replaced by a gentle bed of piano and strings. The focus is entirely on the singer and his message, creating an intimacy that draws the listener into his world of heartache.
“I Need Somebody to Lean On” might not be a chart-topping hit, but for those who appreciate the emotional depth of Elvis Presley, it’s a hidden gem. It showcases a different facet of the King, one marked by introspection and a yearning for connection.
It’s a song that reminds us that even the most charismatic icons can feel lost and alone, a sentiment that resonates with all of us. So, put on your best headphones, and prepare to be surprised by the quiet power of “I Need Somebody to Lean On”.
“I Need Somebody To Lean On”
I need somebody to, to tell my troubles to
No use denying, I’m close to cryin’
But what good, tell me, what good would my crying do?I need somebody to help me
Help me forget all those worries on my mind
And when I’m lonely, if someone would only
Want to be sweet and kindI need somebody, won’t that somebody
Please, please listen to my plea?
Need that somebody, won’t that somebody
Come running to me?
I need somebody to lean on
I’m tired of being unhappy and so blue
If she came I would hold her
‘Cause I need that shoulder to lean on, yes, I really do
I need somebody and maybe that somebody is you