Elvis Presley’s ‘It’s Midnight’ – The Soul-Stirring Melody of a Legend (1974)

Elvis Presley’s “It’s Midnight”. A rather interesting selection, one that perhaps doesn’t get the fanfare it deserves in the grand tapestry of the King’s illustrious career. Released in 1974, it finds Presley in a later period, a time when his sound had matured, the youthful exuberance of his early rock and roll days tempered by life experiences.

“It’s Midnight” is a prime example of this evolution. Here, we find Elvis embracing a more introspective country ballad. The song itself, penned by songwriting duo Jerry Chesnut and Billy Edd Wheeler, is a masterclass in simplicity. A gentle acoustic guitar sets the stage, its melancholic strumming a perfect foil for Presley’s rich baritone.

The lyrics delve into the vulnerability of a man wrestling with his desires. The title, a stark declaration of the witching hour, sets the tone for a confession. The narrator, presumably Elvis himself, admits to a weakness that arises with the cloak of night. “It’s getting late and I know that’s when I am weak,” he sings, his voice a low rumble that resonates with a quiet desperation.

This vulnerability is a fascinating departure from the swaggering persona Elvis cultivated in his early years. Here, we see a man grappling with internal struggles, a stark contrast to the heartthrob who sent teenage girls into a frenzy a decade earlier. “It’s Midnight” showcases a deeper dimension to Presley, a layer that perhaps resonated more with his maturing fanbase.

However, the song isn’t simply a descent into self-pity. There’s a flicker of defiance in the lyrics too. “Too late I sometimes I even hate myself / For loving you / Trying to be strong then night-time comes along and I start wanting you / Wanting you,” he croons.

This internal battle, this push and pull between desire and self-recrimination, adds a layer of complexity to the song, making it far more than a simple ballad of longing.

“It’s Midnight” may not be a chart-topping hit, but for those who appreciate the nuanced performances of a seasoned artist, it holds a certain charm. It’s a testament to Presley’s versatility as a singer, his ability to deliver a powerful rock and roll anthem one moment, and then turn on a dime to deliver a heart-wrenching country ballad the next.

It’s a song that deserves a closer listen, a glimpse into the soul of the King in his later years, a time when his voice had grown richer, his experiences adding a depth of emotion to his music.

“It’s Midnight”