General Poetry posted June 11, 2023

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Follow That Dream!

Elvis

by Debbie D'Arcy

The date was nineteen thirty-five

And "In The Ghetto" raised

A King of Rock and Roll was born,

A legend would be praised.

His voice would be his signature

Sang gospel from above,

Then grew into the man we know

"A (great) Big Hunk O' Love."

His looks infused with "Burning Love,"

His future looking bright,

Those chat-up lines he'd ask those girls -

You "Lonesome (here) Tonight?"

He knew his magic could be honed with

Plea to "Love Me Tender,"

Lamenting then his heartache, a

Sad "Return To Sender."

And what about those sexy moves

Focussed on his pelvis?

Fans so teased and "All Shook Up" would

Cry "I Love You!" Elvis

Those glitter outfits were sublime

Of white and many hues

And down below in pride of place

A pair of "Blue Suede Shoes."

He married then his true love and

With 'Cilla he would share

A lovely babe called Lisa,

She'd be his "Teddy Bear."

But Elvis was a gigolo,

A "Hound Dog" all his days.

"Suspicious Minds" would drive them to

Go their "Separate Ways."

Then food and drugs would blight his health,

And leave him quite alone.

He lost the special majesty

That he had long since known.

So, at the age of forty-two

His heart could sing no more.

At Graceland, "In The Garden" laid -

This King whom fans adore.

And Elvis will live on and on,

No match we'll ever find.

His "Memories" so resonant

Are "Always On My Mind."

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2023

Image: courtesy of Google Free Pics

Elvis recorded a total of 786 songs in his lifetime. Apologies for not including them all :) and for the little tweaks (for sake of meter) in those I chose:
In The Ghetto - 1969
A Big Hunk O' Love - 1959
Burning Love - 1972
Are You Lonesome Tonight - 1960
Love Me Tender - 1956
Return To Sender - 1962
All Shook Up - 1957
I Love You (Because) - 1954
Blue Suede Shoes - 1956
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear - 1957
Hound Dog - 1956
Suspicious Minds - 1969
Separate Ways - 1972
In The Garden - 1967
Memories - 1969
Always On My Mind - 1972

1935 -1977 Elvis was raised in extreme poverty, especially close to his mother.
First started singing with the choir of a local church and developed his gospel skills from there.
First commercial release - "That's All Right Mama"
1955 - top of country charts with "Mystery Train" and then 1956 "Heartbreak Hotel" which became symbol of his ability to combine country with rhythm and blues leading into rock and roll.
Huge impact on US culture with hair, clothes and even behaviour. John Lennon attributed him to the most important influence on The Beatles.
Ultimately, most records to make rating charts and top recording artist in 50s and 60s.
Personal finances controlled by Tom Parker, known gambler, never actually convicted of mismanagement of finances.
Married Priscilla in 1967 having met her in Germany whilst stationed there during his 2 year service in the army. Lisa-Marie born 1968
Elvis' estimated earnings - $4.3 billion. Sadly, he had no concept of financial responsibility. Similar misfortune with friendships, surrounding himself with group of thugs to shield him from adoring fans.
Died at Graceland (bought in 1957 for $102,500) at age 42. Buried with his beloved mother there in the Meditation Garden.
Inducted in three music halls of fame: gospel, country and rock and roll.

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Follow That Dream!

Elvis

by Debbie D'Arcy

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