Elvis Presley’s “Promised Land”, a song that straddles genres and eras with the King’s signature charisma. Released in 1974, it marked a fascinating turn in Presley’s career. The rock and roll revolutionary of the 50s had matured, his voice gaining a soulful depth, yet the electrifying energy remained.
“Promised Land” itself is a fascinating choice. Originally a Chuck Berry rocker from 1964, Presley infuses it with a country twang and gospel fervor. This creates a rich tapestry, reflecting Presley’s own musical roots in the American South and his lifelong love for gospel music.
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The opening lyrics paint a vivid picture: “Sure as you’re born, they bought me a silk suit / And put luggage in my hand.” We can almost see the young man, thrust into a world of fame and fortune, a world far removed from his humble beginnings. Yet, there’s a hint of apprehension – is this “promised land” all it’s cracked up to be?
The song then takes flight with the soaring chorus: “And I woke up high over Albuquerque / On a jet to the promised land.” Albuquerque, a seemingly random detail, becomes a geographical marker on Presley’s journey, both physical and metaphorical. The jet, a symbol of the fast-paced life of a superstar, carries him towards a future filled with both promise and uncertainty.
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“Promised Land” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a meditation on ambition, success, and the ever-present yearning for something more. Presley’s voice, brimming with a lived-in quality, resonates with those who have chased dreams and grappled with the weight of expectation.
Listen closely, and you’ll hear echoes of Presley’s gospel roots in the backing vocals and the driving rhythm section. This gospel influence adds a layer of spiritual yearning to the song. Is the “promised land” a physical place, a state of fame, or perhaps something deeper, a search for meaning and fulfillment?
Presley doesn’t provide easy answers. But in that ambiguity lies the song’s enduring power. “Promised Land” is a journey song, a reflection on the road less traveled, and a testament to the enduring human spirit that continues to reach for something better, just beyond the horizon.
“Promised Land”
California on my mind
I straddled that Greyhound
And rode into Raleigh
Halfway across Alabam’
And that hound broke down and left us all stranded
In downtown BirminghamRight away I brought me a through train ticket
Ridin’ across Mississippi clean
And I was on that midnight flyer out of Birmingham
Smoking into New Orleans
Somebody help me get out of Louisiana
Just to help me get to Houston Town
There are people there who care a little about me
And they won’t let the poor boy down
Sure as you’re born brought me a silk suit
Put luggage in my hand
And I woke up high over Alberquerque
On a jet to the promised land
Working on a T-bone steak a la carte
Flying over to the golden state
Ah when the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gate
Swing low chariot come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephone
Los Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia
Tidewater four ten o nine
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land calling
And the poor boy is on the line
Working on a T-bone steak a la carte
Flying over to the golden state
Ah when the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gate
Swing low chariot come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephone
Los Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia
Tidewater four ten o nine
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land calling
And the poor boy is on the line