Unpacking “Memories” by Elvis Presley: A Gem from the ’68 Comeback Special

The Song Memories By Elvis Presley holds a special place in the hearts of fans, primarily known for its poignant performance during the legendary 1968 NBC television special, often referred to as the ’68 Comeback Special. Penned by the talented songwriting duo Bill Strange and Mac Davis, “Memories” served as a reflective and emotional moment in the show, standing in contrast to the raw, energetic rock and roll performances that marked Elvis’s return to live television. Its timeless lyrics capture a universal feeling of nostalgia, sweetening the past like aged wine.

The lyrics themselves paint vivid pictures:

Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened thru the ages just like wine

Quiet thought come floating down
And settle softly to the ground
Like golden autumn leaves around my feet
I touched them and they burst apart with sweet
memories, Sweet memories

Of holding hands and red bouquets
And twilight trimmed in purple haze
And laughing eyes and simple ways
And quiet nights and gentle days with you

Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened thru the ages just like wine,
Memories, memories, sweet memories

The Recording Sessions and the ’68 Special Context

The recording of “Memories” for the ’68 Special was part of a series of intense sessions aimed at producing new material for the landmark broadcast. The primary track for the song was laid down on June 23, 1968, at Western Recorders in Burbank, California. A vocal overdub session for “Memories” followed on June 24, 1968, ensuring Elvis’s performance captured the desired emotional depth. These sessions were a crucial part of revitalizing Elvis’s career, leading to standout tracks like “If I Can Dream” and “A Little Less Conversation“, though the latter’s potential wasn’t fully realized until much later.

The comprehensive recording schedule for the special highlights the sheer volume of work undertaken in late June 1968:

• June 20, 1968: Western Recorders – Burbank, California. Sessions included tracks like “Nothingville”, “Guitar Man” (Part 1 & 2), “Let Yourself Go”, “Big Boss Man”, and “It Hurts Me” (Part 1).
• June 21, 1968: Western Recorders – Burbank, California. Continued work on “Guitar Man” and “It Hurts Me”, plus gospel medleys featuring “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child”, “Where Could I Go But to The Lord“, “Up Above My Head“, “I Found That Light”, and “Saved“.
• June 22, 1968: Western Recorders – Burbank, California. Further gospel recordings and segments like “Trouble” and “Guitar Man” (Opening).
• June 23, 1968: Western Recorders – Burbank, California. Key recordings including “If I Can Dream” and the track for “Memories”.
• June 24, 1968: Western Recorders – Burbank, California. Vocal overdubs for “Memories” and “A Little Less Conversation“.

These dates underscore the dedicated effort that went into producing the high-quality sound for the special, ensuring every song, including the heartfelt “the song memories by elvis presley“, resonated with viewers.

On December 3, 1968, the broadcast of the television special, simply titled Elvis, aired and became a pivotal moment. It successfully reintroduced Elvis as a dynamic and relevant performer. The special opened with a powerful rendition of “Trouble” from his 1958 film King Creole, transitioning into the narrative thread provided by “Guitar Man”.

The emotional depth of The Song Memories By Elvis Presley provided a crucial reflective interlude within the special’s energetic flow. Its inclusion demonstrated Elvis’s versatility and ability to connect with audiences on a profound level, showcasing a maturity beyond his earlier rock and roll image. This performance remains a highlight for many fans and is readily available on various official releases, allowing new generations to appreciate its simple beauty and Elvis’s sincere delivery.

Experiencing “Memories” Today

Fans wishing to delve deeper into the ’68 Special and experience the power of “the song memories by elvis presley” have numerous options. The special has been released in various formats, offering remastered audio and video.

The Elvis Complete ’68 Comeback Special Deluxe 4 CD Box Set provides a comprehensive auditory experience, including a great stereo version of the soundtrack. Other releases like Elvis In Person 2 CD FTD Special Edition and collections such as Elvis’ Gold Records – Volume 5 may also feature the track, showcasing its enduring popularity.

DVD cover for Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley

Additionally, releases like the Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley DVD offer a look back at earlier periods, providing context for the career trajectory that led to the necessity and triumph of the ’68 Special. While this particular DVD focuses on the 1950s, understanding Elvis’s roots enhances the appreciation for his performances in 1968. Witnessing footage from earlier concerts helps highlight the evolution and enduring appeal of his artistry, making the emotional resonance of a song like “Memories” in the later special even more impactful.

Conclusion

“Memories,” as performed by Elvis Presley in his 1968 television special, is more than just a song; it’s a moment of introspection and tender reflection within a dynamic comeback. Its beautiful lyrics by Bill Strange and Mac Davis, combined with Elvis’s heartfelt delivery, captured the mood of looking back on cherished moments. The meticulous recording sessions that produced this track were integral to the special’s success, helping to redefine Elvis’s image and set a new course for his career. The song remains a beloved part of his extensive catalog, a testament to his ability to convey deep emotion, standing proudly alongside hits like “play elvis return to sender” and “elvis presley blue eyes“. It continues to invite listeners to pause and reflect on their own cherished recollections. For fans exploring “the essential elvis presley tracklist“, “Memories” is an indispensable piece that showcases the King at his most vulnerable and sincere.