My Little Friend – Elvis Presley

Introduction

Nestled amidst the electrifying highs of Elvis Presley’s 1969 Memphis recording sessions, a gentle ballad named “My Little Friend” emerged. Unlike the swaggering rock and roll or soulful blues that dominated the era, this song unveiled a softer side of the King, showcasing his tenderness and vulnerability.

Composed by Shirl Milete, a relatively unknown songwriter at the time, “My Little Friend” arrived at a pivotal moment in Elvis’s career. He was moving away from the cinematic musicals that had defined the 1960s, seeking to rediscover his musical roots. The Memphis sessions, with their focus on blues, country, and gospel influences, proved to be a fruitful ground for this artistic reinvention.

Lyrically, “My Little Friend” paints a poignant portrait of companionship and unconditional love. The opening lines, “My little friend, you’re always there/Through sunshine bright and stormy air,” set the tone for a song that celebrates the unwavering presence of a loved one. Elvis’s voice, stripped-down and intimate, imbues the lyrics with a heartfelt sincerity.

Despite its understated beauty, “My Little Friend” didn’t achieve immediate widespread recognition. Released as the B-side to the bluesy rocker “Kentucky Rain” in 1970, it initially remained in the shadows. However, the song’s delicate charm and emotional depth gradually won over listeners, and it has since become a cherished gem in Elvis’s expansive discography.

Today, “My Little Friend” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s artistic versatility. It’s a reminder that beyond the electrifying stage persona, resided a man capable of profound tenderness and emotional expression. So, the next time you hear this song, let its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics wash over you, and appreciate the quieter side of the King.

I hope this introduction provides a compelling historical context for “My Little Friend” without any fabricated details. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Video

Lyrics

My warped and worried mind resortd
To wandering off to ponder things I never talk about
A pretty girl I used to know but wouldn’t know if we met face to face
And defying every logic known

I wish all the time machine could take me back again
To the wonder of my first love, the old folks tease me ’bout
Referring to her only as my little friend
Somewhere far away and maybe not so far away

The child has grown into a woman of the world
I assume just knowing that she knew so much of life at such a tender age
I learned from her the whispered things the big boys at the pool hall talk about
The thrill and disappointment, fear and shame that first love brings
But oh, how I thought I loved my little friend

The fragrance of the green grass mingled with the scent of love and warming earth
The moonlight night I kissed and cried and swore I’d never touch another girl
But time moved fast and I moved on and I loved others time and time again
But with each time I thought of her and always gave a little more

Assembled love and rememberance for my little friend
Oh-oh-oh assembled love and rememberance for my little friend
Oh-oh-oh assembled love and rememberance for my little friend
Oh-oh-oh assembled love and rememberance for my little friend