Elvis Presley – Something – 1970

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“Something” is a song written by George Harrison and released by The Beatles in 1969 on their album Abbey Road. While it was issued as a B-side to “Come Together,” “Something” became widely regarded as one of Harrison’s finest compositions and one of the greatest love songs ever written. The song’s lyrics express Harrison’s feelings for his first wife, Pattie Boyd, with lines like “Somewhere in her smile she knows that I don’t need no other lover” and “You’re asking me will my love grow, I don’t know, I don’t know.”

“Something” was the first Harrison composition to be released as a Beatles A-side single, and it reached number one in the United States. His songwriting contributions had long been overshadowed by the dominant Lennon-McCartney partnership. With this romantic ballad, Harrison was finally given his chance to stand out, though he was initially reluctant to have the song featured so prominently. During recording sessions, Harrison rewrote parts of the arrangement, even while ailing from the flu. His nuanced guitar solo, in particular, adds emotional depth. Producer George Martin later cited “Something” as his favorite Harrison contribution to the Beatles catalogue.

The song was soon covered by over 150 different artists, but Elvis Presley’s rendition became one of the most celebrated. He first performed “Something” live during his return to stage in Las Vegas in 1970. After this show, Presley continued playing the song for the next five years of touring. His live take was released on the album On Stage in 1970. Presley also recorded a studio version, which was featured on his 1973 LP Elvis as a lush, dramatic ballad.

Presley deeply admired George Harrison, calling him “a fantastic talent” and saying he liked “Something” so much that he recorded it right away. Presley’s powerful vocal interpretation infused new emotion into the lyrics. His style was influenced by his love of gospel music, and he stretches out certain words for emphasis. Meanwhile, the instrumental arrangement surrounding Presley’s voice builds from soft and subdued to a fuller orchestral sound. Reviews praised Presley’s cover as one of his greatest achievements of the decade.

“Something” continued to have an impact long after initially being recorded. In 2002, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its historical significance. Rolling Stone also ranked it number 278 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. As part of The Beatles’ acclaimed catalogue, and as made legendary through Elvis Presley’s iconic stylings, “Something” remains today one of the most memorable love songs ever crafted. Though simple in structure, the sentiments beautifully expressed within just a few lines of lyricism have given the song an enduring power.

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Here are the lyrics of the song: “Something”

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Something in the way she moves
Attracts me like no other lover
Something in the way she moves me
I don’t want to leave her now
You know I believe and how
Somewhere in her smile she knows
All I gotta do is think of her

Something in her style that shows me
I don’t want to leave her now
You know I believe and how

You’re asking me will our love grow
I don’t know, I don’t know
You stick around and it may show
I don’t know, I don’t know

Something in the way she moves
Attracts me like no other lover
Something in the way she moves me
I don’t want to leave her now
You know I believe and how

You’re asking me will our love grow
I don’t know, I don’t know
You stick around and it may show
I don’t know, I don’t know

Something in the way she moves
All I gotta do is think of her
Something in her style that shows me
I don’t want to leave her now
You know I believe and how