About the Song
Ah, Elvis Presley, the King himself! And today, we’re taking a deep dive into one of his lesser-known gems, a tune that packs a punch despite its title: “A Mess of Blues”.
Now, you might think you’ve heard it all when it comes to Elvis. The hip-swiveling, the rock-and-roll rebellion, the soaring ballads – all etched in our collective memory. But “A Mess of Blues” offers a different kind of Elvis. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s a man grappling with heartache and the blues that cling to him like a second skin.
Released in 1960, the song slipped in as a B-side to the chart-topping “It’s Now or Never”. But don’t let that fool you. “A Mess of Blues” is no afterthought. It’s a potent cocktail of emotion, brewed with the bluesy swagger of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman’s songwriting.
The lyrics paint a picture of a man unraveling. His love has gone, leaving him adrift in a sea of loneliness. He’s got a “mess of blues” swirling inside him, a tangled knot of sorrow and frustration. The melody echoes this turmoil, starting with a melancholic piano intro that sets the tone for Elvis’s passionate vocals.
And those vocals, oh boy, they’re something else. Elvis lets loose in “A Mess of Blues”. He growls, he pleads, he aches. He pours his heart into every line, making you feel every ounce of his pain. You can hear the desperation in his voice as he sings, “I gotta get myself together / Before I lose my mind / I’m gonna catch the next train going / And leave my blues behind.”
But even amidst the darkness, there’s a flicker of hope. The song ends with a hint of determination, a vow to escape the blues and find his way back to light. It’s a testament to Elvis’s artistry, his ability to convey such raw emotion while still leaving a glimmer of optimism.
So, if you’re looking for a different side of the King, a side that’s honest and vulnerable, give “A Mess of Blues” a listen. It’s a song that speaks to the universal language of heartbreak, reminding us that even the biggest stars have their own blues to sing. And in Elvis’s hands, those blues become something truly beautiful, a testament to the power of music to touch our hearts and souls.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own personal touches, memories you have of Elvis or the song, or anything else that makes the introduction resonate with your readers. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
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Lyrics
I just got your letter baby
Too bad you can’t come home
I swear I’m goin’ crazy
Sittin’ here all alone
Since you’re gone I got a mess of blues
I ain’t slept a wink since sunday
I can’t eat a thing all day
Every day is just blue monday
Since you’ve been away
Since you’re gone I got a mess of blues
Whoops there goes a teardrop
Rollin’ down my face
If you cry when you’re in love
Sure ain’t no disgrace
I gotta get myself together
Before I lose my mind
I’m gonna catch the next train goin’
And leave my blues behind
Since you’re gone I got a mess of blues
Whoops there goes a teardrop
Rollin’ down my face
If you cry when you’re in love
Sure ain’t no disgrace
I gotta get myself together
Before I lose my mind
I’m gonna catch the next train goin’
And leave my blues behind
Since you’re gone I got a mess of blues
Since you’re gone I got a mess of blues
Since you’re gone I got a mess of blues
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