‘Love Coming Down’ – Elvis Presley (1976)

 “Love Coming Down” by the legendary Elvis Presley. This 1976 gem, nestled within the album “From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee”, showcases a side of The King that is often overlooked. Here, we find Elvis not in the throes of youthful rebellion or hip-shaking swagger, but in a poignant exploration of regret and the redemptive power of love.

The song opens with a melancholic sincerity, a stark contrast to the electrifying rock and roll that launched Elvis into superstardom. We hear a mature Elvis, his voice seasoned with experience, reflecting on a past mistake.

The lyrics paint a picture of a love taken for granted, promises broken, and a heart on the verge of losing its mooring. “I remember how your eyes used to light up / Over promises that I made,” he sings, the weight of his past transgressions heavy in his voice.

“Love Coming Down” is a ballad, a form Elvis excelled in throughout his career. The arrangement is simple yet evocative, with a gentle piano melody and a soulful backing choir setting the stage for Elvis’s introspective performance. There’s a vulnerability in his delivery, a rawness that resonates deeply. This isn’t the cocksure Elvis of his early days; it’s a man humbled by the possibility of losing love.

The chorus, with its melancholic refrain of “Love coming down, love coming down”, underscores the central theme. It’s a lament for a love that was readily available, a gift that went unappreciated. The repetition emphasizes the gravity of the situation, the fear of losing something precious through neglect.

The second verse delves deeper into the narrator’s self-reflection. He recalls his partner’s unwavering devotion, her constant reminder that love is the most important thing. “I remember all the times you told me / Love’s all that matters to you,” he sings, a tinge of disbelief lacing his voice. He now sees the error of his ways, acknowledging how his ambition and pursuit of worldly success blinded him to the true treasure he possessed.

“Love Coming Down” is not merely a song about regret, however. It’s a desperate plea for a second chance. The bridge builds with a crescendo of emotion as Elvis pleads, “Can’t you see how everything I’ve learned / Would just be wasted if you leave me?” He promises to be there, to be present, a stark contrast to the man who was once too busy “going up in the world” to see love staring him in the face.

The final verse is a heartfelt vow of commitment. Elvis swears to be the man his partner deserves, to keep his feet firmly on the ground and cherish the love that has, thankfully, not yet slipped away. The song fades out with a lingering hopefulness, a testament to the enduring power of love and the possibility of redemption.

So, when you listen to “Love Coming Down”, don’t expect the explosive energy of Elvis’s early hits. Instead, prepare for a journey of introspection, a ballad filled with the wisdom of a man who has learned a valuable lesson – that love, once taken for granted, can be a precious gift desperately worth fighting for.

“Love Coming Down”