This song beautifully showcases Elvis’s velvety voice and his ability to convey genuine emotions through his music.

Elvis Presley’s “Doin’ the Best I Can”, a song that taps into a wellspring of vulnerability beneath the swaggering rock and roll persona. Released in 1960, amidst a whirlwind of film appearances and chart-topping hits, this ballad offers a glimpse into the heart of a young man grappling with love and self-doubt.

Composed by the songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, the song arrived at a pivotal point in Presley’s career. Having transitioned from the raw, electrifying energy of his Sun Records days to a more polished Hollywood image, “Doin’ the Best I Can” showcased a newfound depth in his performance.

The arrangement is a masterclass in restraint. A gentle acoustic guitar sets the stage, punctuated by the rhythmic thrum of the bass and the crisp beat of the drums. The iconic Jordanaires, Elvis’s backing vocal group, provide a soothing bed of harmonies that weave seamlessly with Presley’s impassioned delivery.

Lyrically, the song explores the complexities of a one-sided relationship. The narrator, clearly smitten, pours his heart out, lamenting, “I gave my heart, I gave my love, doin’ the best I tried so hard to please”. Yet, his efforts seem to fall short. The sting of rejection hangs heavy in the air, captured in the line, “But it’s not good enough for you”.

It’s a sentiment familiar to many – the frustration of unrequited love, the gnawing uncertainty of whether our best is ever enough.

However, “Doin’ the Best I Can” transcends mere self-pity. There’s a quiet dignity in the narrator’s voice. He acknowledges his limitations, “I guess I was the only dreamer”, but doesn’t wallow in despair. The song ultimately becomes a testament to resilience, a plea for understanding, and a hope, however fragile, that sincerity might eventually prevail.

Elvis’s vocal performance is the heart and soul of the song. He imbues it with a vulnerability rarely seen in his earlier works. The raw emotion in his voice, particularly in the lines, “Oh, but it’s not good enough for you”, is palpable. There’s a hint of frustration, a touch of desperation, but ultimately, a quiet acceptance. It’s a performance that reveals a depth to Presley often overshadowed by his flamboyant stage presence.

“Doin’ the Best I Can” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s artistic evolution. It’s a song that transcends the boundaries of rock and roll, showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of human emotions. It’s a ballad for the heartbroken, the hopeful, and ultimately, for anyone who has ever strived to be their best, even when it feels like it might not be enough.

“Doin’ The Best I Can”
(from “G.I. Blues” soundtrack)