Elvis Presley’s “For Ol’ Times Sake” might be nestled amongst the flashier, rock-and-roll anthems of his career, but for those who appreciate the quieter moments in Presley’s repertoire, this 1973 ballad holds a certain weight.
Composed by the soulful singer-songwriter Tony Joe White, “For Ol’ Times Sake” arrived at a crossroads in Presley’s career. The early, electrifying days of rockabilly had long passed, and the glitzy Las Vegas residencies were well underway.
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Yet, beneath the sequined jumpsuits and electrifying performances, there remained a yearning for a simpler time, a rawness that resonated with his core fanbase.
This song taps into that very essence. It’s a heartfelt plea, a last-ditch effort to salvage a failing relationship. The stripped-down arrangement, featuring a gentle piano and a melancholic melody, allows Presley’s voice to take center stage. Here, we hear a mature Elvis, the years etching a weariness yet a depth of emotion into his vocals.
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The lyrics themselves are a tapestry of lost love and fading memories. The narrator pleads with a departing lover to reconsider, reminding them of the good times that once bound them. Phrases like “the years we had were not all bad” and “I know the good outweighs the bad” showcase a vulnerability not often seen in Presley’s persona. There’s a quiet desperation in his voice, a man clinging to the remnants of a love slipping through his fingers.
“For Ol’ Times Sake” isn’t a chart-topping hit, nor is it a bombastic spectacle. It’s a subtle gem, a testament to Presley’s ability to deliver a nuanced performance. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who’s ever grappled with the bittersweet pangs of a love lost, a reminder of the power of human connection and the enduring hold of the past.
So, put on your favorite record player, let the needle settle on this track, and prepare to be swept away by the King’s quieter majesty.
“For Ol’ Times Sake”
Take a look around, tell me what you see
Here I stand like an open book
And find that freedom ain’t what you thought it would beThe years we had were not all bad
In fact I know the good outweighed the bad
Now you say that you’ve grown tired
You want to be by yourself a-while
It would be a shame if you should go
And find that freedom was a long time ago
I know that you can’t stand the chains that bind you
They just keep on drivin’ us apart
And you could go where I could never find you
But could you go far enough to get away from your heart
So one more time, for ol’ times sake
Come and lay your head upon my chest
Please don’t throw this moment away
We can forget the bad and take the best
If you don’t have nothing left to say
Let me hold you one more time for ol’ times sake
And if you don’t have nothing left to say
Let me hold you one more time for ol’ times sake