Introduction

History of “Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley

The song “Love Me Tender” was originally written in 1861 during the Civil War, with music by George R. Poulton and lyrics by W. W. Fosdick. It was published under the title “Aura Lea,” and quickly became a popular folk song.

In 1956, Elvis Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, secured the rights to record a new version of “Aura Lea” for the soundtrack of Presley’s upcoming film, Love Me Tender. Parker brought in songwriters Vera Matson and Ken Darby to write new lyrics for the song, and they came up with the romantic ballad “Love Me Tender.”

Presley recorded “Love Me Tender” on August 24, 1956, with a large orchestra and choir. The song was released as a single on November 1, 1956, and it quickly became a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts and staying there for five weeks.

Elvis Presley – Love Me Tender (1956, Rockaway Pressing, Vinyl) - Discogs

“Love Me Tender” was one of Presley’s biggest hits, and it helped to cement his status as a superstar. It is also one of his most iconic songs, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years.

“Love Me Tender” is a classic ballad that expresses the deep and abiding love between two people. The song is set during the Civil War, and the lyrics tell the story of a young man who is about to leave for battle and the woman he loves. He promises her that he will return to her, and he begs her to love him tenderly.

The song is sung from the perspective of the man, and the lyrics are full of emotion. He sings about how much he loves the woman and how much he will miss her when he is away. He also begs her to be faithful to him and to wait for him to return.

“Love Me Tender” is a beautiful and moving song that has resonated with people for generations. It is a song about the power of love and the hope that love can overcome any obstacle.

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Lyrics

Love me tender,
love me sweet,
never let me go.
You have made my life complete,
and I love you so.

Love me tender,
love me true,
all my dreams fulfilled.
For my darlin’ I love you,
and I always will.

Love me tender,
love me long,
take me to your heart.
For it’s there that I belong,
and we’ll never part.

Love me tender,
love me dear,
tell me you are mine.
I’ll be yours through all the years,
till the end of time.

(When at last my dreams come true
Darling this I know
Happiness will follow you
Everywhere you go).