3 of the Best Songs About Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley is a mammoth figure in rock & roll. Because of that, he has become the fascination of many songwriters. Find three songs about The King, below.

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[RELATED: “It Must Have Registered With Him”: David Bowie’s Embarrassing First Encounter With Elvis Presley]

3 of the Best Songs About Elvis Presley

1. “Walking in Memphis” – Marc Cohn

Though Marc Cohn speaks about many people and places in Memphis, the crux of the song is Presley. Cohn sings about visiting Graceland, the famed home of The King of Rock & Roll. He references specific places, like the Jungle Room and and Presley’s tomb. If you haven’t been to Memphis, this song acts as a visceral picture of what it’s like.

Then I’m walking in Memphis
Was walking with my feet ten feet off of Beale
Walking in Memphis
But do I really feel the way I feel?

Saw the ghost of Elvis
On Union Avenue
Followed him up to the gates of Graceland
Then I watched him walk right through

2. “Johnny Bye-Bye” – Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen reckons with the death of Presley in “Johnny Bye-Bye.” There’s a party tonight down in Memphis town, he sings, referencing the late icon’s native city. Despite the reference of a party seeming upbeat, it’s coupled with the somber tone of Presley unexpected heart attack.

Well, she drew out all her money from the Southern Trust
And put her little boy on a Greyhound bus
Leaving Memphis with a guitar in his hand
On a one-way ticket to the promised land
Hey, little girl with the red dress on
There’s a party tonight down in Memphis town
I’ll be going down there if you need a ride
The man on the radio says Elvis Presley’s died

3. “Graceland” – Paul Simon

Paul Simon conflates Presley’s home with holy ground in “Graceland.” Presley is often put on a pedestal by other musicians. That’s the position Simon takes on this classic track. He sings about finding the answer to his troubles at Graceland–though he doesn’t know why. I’m going to Graceland / For reasons I cannot explain, he sings.

I’m going to Graceland, Graceland
Memphis, Tennessee, I’m going to Graceland
Poor boys and pilgrims with families
And we are going to Graceland

My traveling companion is nine years old
He is the child of my first marriage
But I’ve reason to believe
We both will be received in Graceland

(Photo by THA/Shutterstock)