Elvis Presley: The King’s Final Act – “Way Down”
Way Down is a haunting and poignant ballad by Elvis Presley, released in 1977 as his final single before his untimely death. This track offers a glimpse into the complex and often troubled psyche of the King of Rock and Roll, showcasing his raw vocal power and emotional depth.
Background
Elvis Presley, the iconic figure of 20th-century music, captured the hearts of millions with his electrifying performances and revolutionary sound. His career spanned decades, marked by a series of groundbreaking hits that redefined popular music.
However, “Way Down” stands out as a particularly significant release, serving as a bittersweet coda to his illustrious legacy.
Recorded in October 1976 at Graceland, Presley’s home studio, “Way Down” was one of the final songs he recorded before his passing.
The song’s lyrics, penned by Layng Martine Jr., are imbued with a sense of longing, desire, and a touch of the forbidden. Presley’s delivery is raw and powerful, reflecting the emotional turmoil he was experiencing at the time.
Musically, “Way Down” is a departure from the bombastic arrangements that characterized much of Presley’s later work.
The stripped-down production allows his voice to take center stage, emphasizing the song’s intimate and introspective nature. The track’s driving rhythm and infectious melody provide a stark contrast to the melancholy lyrics, creating a sense of tension and unease.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Babe, you’re getting closerThe lights are goin’ dimThe sound of your breathin’Made the mood I’m inAll of my resistanceLying on the floorTaking me to placesI’ve never been beforeOoh, and I can feel itFeel it, feel it, feel itWay down where the music playsWay down like a tidal waveWay down where the fires blazeWay down, downOoh, my head is spinnin’You got me in your spellA hundred magic fingersA swirling carouselThe medicine within meNo doctor could prescribeYour love is doing’ somethingThat I just can’t describeOoh, and I can feel itFeel it, feel it, feel it