Elvis Presley – That’s When Your Heartaches Begin

Introduction:

Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin”. A song that occupies a curious space in the Presley canon. Released in 1953, it predates his explosive rise to national fame, a mere whisper before the hurricane that would be Elvis. Yet, for those of us who delve into the early years of the King, it holds a certain charm, a glimpse into the raw talent and burgeoning charisma that would soon take the world by storm.

The context surrounding “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” is as fascinating as the song itself. Recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, it wasn’t initially intended for commercial release. Instead, it was a young, unknown Elvis – barely 18 years old – laying down a couple of tracks, a gift for his mother, Gladys. Sam Phillips, the shrewd owner of Sun, recognized a spark in the young man, a magnetism that transcended the simple act of singing. Phillips saw potential, not just in Elvis’s voice, but in the cultural zeitgeist he could tap into. He convinced Elvis to return and record some proper sides, forever altering the course of music history.

“That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” itself is a cover, originally a ballad popularized by The Ink Spots in the early 1940s. Elvis’s rendition, however, injects a youthful energy that the original lacked. The song’s theme – the crushing heartbreak of betrayal by a lover, particularly a close friend – is delivered with a sincerity that belies his age. There’s a tremor in his voice, a vulnerability that resonates with anyone who’s ever known the sting of romantic disappointment.

It’s important to remember that Rock and Roll, as we know it, wasn’t fully formed in 1953. This is a song that sits at a crossroads, with elements of country, gospel, and the burgeoning rhythm and blues scene all swirling together. Elvis’s natural swagger is still under development, but the hints are there. The way he lingers on certain syllables, the playful inflections that would become his trademark – these are all present, waiting to explode.

While “That’s When Your Heartaches Begin” never reached the chart-topping heights of Elvis’s later hits, it holds a significant place in his story. It’s a testament to his raw talent and the keen eye of Sam Phillips. It’s a reminder that even the King had to start somewhere, and that somewhere, for Elvis Presley, was a small studio in Memphis, singing his heart out about love and loss.

Video:

Lyrics:

“That’s When Your Heartaches Begin”