Elvis Presley – Return to Sender (Official Lyric Video)

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “Return to Sender”. Released in 1962, this rock and roll gem is a prime example of the King’s ability to blend soulful vocals with a driving beat. Now, some might say 1962 wasn’t Presley’s peak year. The early electrifying rockabilly had mellowed somewhat, and the film soundtracks he was churning out weren’t exactly setting the charts on fire. But “Return to Sender” is a hidden gem, a song that proves Presley’s charisma and musicality remained undimmed.

Composed by the songwriting duo of Winfield Scott and Otis Blackwell, the song perfectly captured Presley’s persona. Scott, a seasoned country songwriter, brought a touch of vulnerability to the lyrics, while Blackwell, a rising star in the world of rock and roll, injected the track with a youthful energy. Production duties fell to the capable hands of Bert Keyes, who had worked with Presley on numerous occasions. Keyes understood how to frame “The King” – a touch of bluesy guitar here, a driving rhythm section there, all punctuated by Presley’s unmistakable vocals.

The song’s narrative is deceptively simple. A lovestruck fellow has penned a heartfelt apology after a spat with his girl. But the letter, addressed to “Marie” – is it a real name or a playful pseudonym? – keeps getting returned with a harsh message stamped across the envelope: “Return to Sender, Address Unknown”. This simple plot device becomes a metaphor for a fractured relationship. The hurt, the yearning for reconciliation, the nagging uncertainty of whether the message of regret will ever reach its intended recipient – Presley conveys these emotions with a sincerity that cuts through the rock and roll swagger.

“Return to Sender” wasn’t a chart-topping juggernaut. It reached a respectable number two on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, a secondary listing used back then. But the song’s influence stretches far beyond its commercial performance. It became a staple of Presley’s live performances, a showcase for his ability to transform a seemingly lighthearted tune into a powerful ballad of heartbreak.

The song’s legacy extends beyond the King’s reign. It’s been covered by countless artists, from country crooners to punk rockers, each adding their own spin to the tale of a love letter lost in the mail. But at its core, “Return to Sender” remains a testament to Presley’s enduring appeal. It’s a song about the universality of love’s woes, delivered with a voice that could soothe a broken heart or ignite a dance floor. So, put on your blue suede shoes, crank up the volume, and prepare to be transported back to a simpler time, when a heartbreak could be crooned with equal parts sorrow and swagger.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Return To Sender”