The song ‘It’s Easy For You’, performed by the legendary Elvis Presley, offers a poignant look at heartbreak and differing perspectives on a relationship’s end. For fans searching “it’s easy for you elvis”, this track from his later period holds a unique place. Penned by acclaimed writers Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice, it appeared on Elvis’s final studio album, ‘Moody Blue’. Unlike his early Elvis' rockabilly songs [https://shocknaue.com/elvis-rockabilly-songs/], this piece showcases a more mature, ballad-oriented style, contributing to the diverse discography that often leads fans to debate Elvis Presley songs ranked [https://shocknaue.com/elvis-presley-songs-ranked/].
Here are the lyrics to ‘It’s Easy For You’:
You may not mind that it’s over
But I’ve a different point of view
Even though I am shattered
It’s easy for you
You don’t have to face the music
You don’t have to face the crowd
Just go back where you came from
You ain’t even proud
I had a wife and I had children
I threw them all away
And now you tell me, you dare to tell me
I should go back to them
What do you think I should say
I found it hard to leave them
Saddest thing I ever had to do
My problems haven’t started
And it’s easy for you
I had a wife and I had children
I threw them all away
And now you tell me, you dare to tell me
I should go back to them
What do you think, what on earth do you think I should say
If you ever tire of the good life
Call me in a year or two
I’ve got no choice, I’ll forgive you
‘Cause it’s easy for you
You only have to call me, it’s easy for you
You only have to call me, it’s easy for you
Recorded on October 29, 1976, ‘It’s Easy For You’ was first released on the album Moody Blue. This period in the mid-1970s was eventful for Elvis, marked by recording sessions, tours, and significant personal and professional changes.
Events Surrounding the Recording of “It’s Easy For You”
Looking back at the timeline around the recording of this song provides interesting context. While ‘It’s Easy For You’ was recorded in late 1976, other notable events occurred in the preceding year and earlier in 1976 that reflect the dynamics of Elvis’s life.
In January 1975, a story circulated regarding Elvis’s generosity. After newsman Don Kinney joked on air about wanting a car, it was reported that Elvis bought him a Seville. Kinney later contradicted this account, sharing his version of the events involving Elvis and Cadillacs.
Recording sessions in the den at Graceland were pivotal during this era. In February 1976, RCA brought in mobile recording equipment to the Jungle Room at Graceland for a week of sessions. Songs recorded during this time formed the basis of the album From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee and over half of the Moody Blue album. Specific songs recorded on February 2/3 included “Bitter They Are Harder They Fall” and “She Thinks I Still Care”. February 3/4 saw the recording of “Solitaire”, while “Moody Blue” and “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” were recorded on February 4/5. The sessions continued on February 5/6 with “For The Heart”, “Hurt”, and “Danny Boy”, and concluded on February 6/7 with “Never Again” and “Love Coming Down”. February 7/8 included recordings like “Feelings”, “America The Beautiful”, and “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain”.
The concert circuit also presented challenges. Back on tour in March 1976 for the first time since July 1975, Elvis’s 16th US tour began with personnel issues. Glen Hardin resigned from the TCB band, and James Burton and Ronnie Tutt initially indicated they would leave as well. Although Burton returned at the last minute, the others were replaced, with Shane Kiester taking over keyboards from Hardin and Larry Londin sitting in for Tutt. After just eight shows, Kiester left, and Tony Brown took over on keyboards. Security was also a concern, with Elvis expressing his displeasure after the first show, and police removing fans attempting to reach his hotel room via a fire ladder. His continued musical output spanned various styles and periods, adding to a legacy that includes hits from movies like Elvis Presley's "Live a Little, Love a Little" [https://shocknaue.com/presley/elvis-presley-live-a-little-love-a-little/].
The recording of ‘It’s Easy For You’ specifically took place during continuation sessions at Graceland’s Jungle Room on October 29-30, 1976. Other songs recorded on October 29/30 included “Way Down” and “Pledging My Love”. The sessions on October 30/31 saw the recording of backing tracks like “There’s A Fire Down Below” and “He’ll Have To Go”. The vocal overdub for “He’ll Have To Go” was added on October 31, 1976. His recordings from this period sit alongside a vast catalog that includes popular Blue Hawaii movie songs [https://shocknaue.com/blue-hawaii-movie-songs/].
Outside of his professional life, early November 1976 saw the end of Elvis’s relationship with Linda Thompson, who had been his steady girlfriend since 1972. The month concluded dramatically when, on November 23, Jerry Lee Lewis arrived at the gates of Graceland in the early morning hours. Accounts reported Lewis was armed and demanded to see Elvis, stating they had been trying to meet. This incident, the second such appearance by Lewis in consecutive nights, was reportedly observed by Elvis via closed-circuit monitors within Graceland. Fans interested in exploring more of Elvis’s career, including his film work, can easily find resources online, perhaps even Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii full movie [https://shocknaue.com/youtube-elvis-presley-blue-hawaii-full-movie/].
A Glimpse into Elvis’s Later Career
Cover art for Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD featuring a photo of a young Elvis performing
Capturing moments from different periods of his career provides valuable insights. For instance, the Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD offers a unique historical record. It features previously unreleased film footage with sound of Elvis performing six songs live in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1956, including hits like “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Don’t Be Cruel”. It also contains the first-ever public viewing of a live performance of “Long Tall Sally”. This DVD is considered an excellent resource for fans, showcasing Elvis in his prime in the 1950s. It includes footage of a parade, providing context, and interviews with Elvis’s parents. The afternoon show footage is described as electrifying, showing Elvis performing before 11,000 people.
Conclusion
‘It’s Easy For You’, a poignant track from Elvis Presley’s ‘Moody Blue’ album, offers listeners a glimpse into the King’s later musical direction. The period surrounding its recording in 1976 was one of significant activity, marked by diverse recording sessions, challenging tours, personal changes, and even dramatic incidents, painting a vivid picture of Elvis’s life in the mid-1970s. The song and the events from this time underscore the complex reality of one of music’s most enduring icons during his final years.
