Elvis Presley with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: Always On My Mind

Background

• Original Song: “Always On My Mind” was not originally an Elvis song. It was written in 1972 by Johnny Christopher, Mark James, and Wayne Carson Thompson. It achieved success with versions by Brenda Lee and Willie Nelson. Elvis Presley recorded his now-iconic version later in 1972, shortly after the separation from his wife Priscilla.
• Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Collaboration: In 2015, Elvis Presley’s original vocals were isolated and paired with brand-new orchestral arrangements by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This was part of the album “If I Can Dream,” a project to reimagine classic Elvis tracks with orchestral backing.

Lyrics

Here’s a snippet focusing on the emotional core of the lyrics:

• “Maybe I didn’t treat you, Quite as good as I should have. Maybe I didn’t love you, Quite as often as I could have”
• “Little things I should have said and done, I just never took the time”
• “Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died. Give me, give me one more chance to keep you satisfied”

Themes

• Regret: The primary theme is regret over a failed relationship. The speaker acknowledges past shortcomings and how they may have hurt their partner.
• Remorse: There’s profound remorse and a yearning to change the past.
• Second Chances: The song is a plea for a second chance, to make things right, and to not lose the love completely.
• Unconditional Love: Even with mistakes, the speaker’s love for the other person endures. The phrase “always on my mind” reinforces this constant, underlying presence of love.

Why the Elvis Version is So Powerful

Elvis’s rendition, even the original 1972 version, is particularly heartbreaking given the context of his separation. His raw, emotive performance infuses the already poignant lyrics with an additional layer of personal pain and sincerity. Coupled with the grand and sweeping sound of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the song’s emotional impact is amplified.

Video

Lyrics

Maybe I didn’t treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn’t love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
Give me, give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied, satisfied

Maybe I didn’t hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I’m so happy that you’re mine
If I make you feel second best
Girl, I’m sorry I was blind

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
Give me, give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied, satisfied

Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You are always on my mind
You are always on my mind