About the Song
A King’s Contemplation: Elvis Presley’s “Miracle of the Rosary”
Close your eyes, dear friends, and let’s travel back in time. Not to the glittering lights of Graceland, nor the electrifying energy of a Presley concert. No, let’s step into a quieter moment, a contemplative space where the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley, grapples with life’s deeper questions. This is the landscape where “Miracle of the Rosary” unfolds, a song that whispers of faith, hope, and the enduring power of prayer.
Released in 1972 on the album “Elvis Now,” “Miracle of the Rosary” stands as a departure from the fiery rhythms and youthful exuberance that defined much of Presley’s early career. It’s a song born from a later chapter, a time when the rockstar had weathered storms of fame, loss, and personal struggles. Yet, amidst the introspection, “Miracle of the Rosary” reveals a vulnerability and tenderness rarely seen in the public eye.
The song’s opening lines, “Oh Blessed Mother, we pray to Thee / Thanks for the miracle of Your Rosary,” set the stage for a direct and heartfelt communion. It’s not a performance; it’s a conversation, a whispered plea for solace and understanding. Elvis, the man who captivated millions with his swagger and charisma, lays bare his soul, seeking comfort in the simple, rhythmic recitation of the Rosary beads.
The lyrics, penned by Dominic Frizzell, are imbued with a profound respect for the Catholic faith. There’s no proselytizing, no grand pronouncements. Instead, there’s a humble recognition of the power of prayer, a belief in the intercession of the Virgin Mary. “Only You can hold back Your Holy Son’s hand / Long enough for the whole world to understand,” Elvis sings, his voice laced with both longing and hope.
“Miracle of the Rosary” is not a song defined by its musical complexity. The melody is gentle, almost lullaby-like, cradling the listener in its soothing embrace. The guitar strumming is understated, the piano chords soft and melancholic. This is a song for quiet contemplation, for letting the words wash over you like a balm for the soul.
Yet, beneath the surface of serenity lies a quiet strength. The song’s unwavering faith in the power of prayer is a defiant act against the darkness. It’s a testament to the enduring human spirit, its capacity to find solace and hope even in the face of uncertainty.
So, dear friends, let “Miracle of the Rosary” be your own moment of respite. Let Elvis’s voice guide you into a space of quiet reflection, where faith and hope intertwine like the beads of a rosary. This is a song for all of us, a reminder that even the King of Rock and Roll found solace in the simple beauty of prayer.
Now, press play, and let the “Miracle of the Rosary” unfold.
Video
Lyrics
Oh blessed mother we pray to thee
Thanks for the miracle of your rosary
Only you can hold back
Your holy son’s hand
Long enough for the whole world to understand
Hail, Mary full of grace
The Lord is with thee
Blessed are thou among women
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus
Oh holy Mary dear mother of God
Please pray for us sinners
Now and at the hour of our death
And give thanks once again
For the miracle of your rosary
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