Elvis Presley’s ‘Take Good Care of Her’ – A Timeless Reminder of Love’s Fragility and Beauty

Elvis Presley’s “Take Good Care of Her”. This 1974 gem, nestled on the album Good Times, offers a glimpse into a lesser-known facet of the King’s repertoire: the soulful ballad. While Presley is synonymous with electrifying rock and roll and smooth, swaggering crooning, “Take Good Care of Her” showcases a tender vulnerability that resonates deeply.

The song itself has an interesting history. Originally penned by songwriting duo Arthur Kent and Ed Warren, it found success in the early 1960s with recordings by artists like Adam Wade and Sonny James, the latter taking it to number one on the country charts. But when “Take Good Care of Her” landed in Presley’s hands in 1973, it underwent a transformation.

Presley, ever the interpreter, imbued the song with a palpable heartache. The lyrics themselves paint a picture of lost love – a narrator conceding defeat, acknowledging the love his ex feels for another. Lines like “She was everything my future held in store” and “So with my broken heart I’ll bow out gracefully” are delivered with a quiet resignation, a world away from the bravado often associated with the King.

However, beneath the surface of this melancholic acceptance lies a flicker of hope. The constant refrain, “Take good care of her, take good care of her”, is a plea, yes, but also a testament to the narrator’s enduring love. He prioritizes her happiness above his own, a selfless act that speaks volumes about his character.

Musically, “Take Good Care of Her” is a masterclass in subtlety. Gone are the bombastic arrangements of Presley’s earlier hits. Instead, a gentle bed of country-tinged guitars and a soulful backing choir provide the perfect backdrop for Presley’s nuanced vocals. His signature snarl is replaced by a smooth, emotive delivery that conveys the emotional weight of the lyrics.

“Take Good Care of Her” stands as a testament to Presley’s artistic versatility. It’s a song that transcends genre, a ballad that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss. It’s a quiet gem in the vast catalog of the King, a song that reveals a depth of emotion that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.

“Take Good Care Of Her”