Introduction:
Ah, yes, Elvis Presley’s electrifying performance of “Trying To Get To You” from the legendary 1968 Comeback Special. This singular moment in music history marked a pivotal return for the King of Rock and Roll. Let’s delve a little deeper, shall we?
By 1968, Elvis’ career had taken a detour. The electrifying rockabilly firebrand who ignited the 50s had become entangled in a string of forgettable Hollywood musicals. Public perception had shifted, and whispers of a fading star began to circulate. Enter the Comeback Special, a televised NBC broadcast that aimed to reignite the raw energy that first captivated audiences.
The brainchild of veteran producer Steve Binder, the special was a gamble. Gone were the elaborate sets and staged choreography. Instead, the focus was on a stripped-down, intimate performance. Binder brought back Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana, Elvis’ original bandmates, to recapture the spontaneity of his early Sun recordings. This return to roots proved to be a masterstroke.
“Trying To Get To You” exemplifies the magic of the Comeback Special. Originally released in 1956, the song was a driving rockabilly number pulsating with youthful urgency. Here, over a decade later, it takes on a new dimension. Elvis’ voice, though seasoned by time, retains its undeniable power. The raw passion and vulnerability in his delivery are palpable. You hear the yearning, the determination in every note as he sings: “I’ve been travelling over mountains/ Even through the valleys too/ I’ve been travelling night and day/ I’ve been running all the way/ Baby, trying to get to you.”
The stripped-down arrangement puts the spotlight on the core elements: Elvis’ voice, Scotty Moore’s searing guitar work, and D.J. Fontana’s propulsive drumming. There’s a delightful informality to the performance. Elvis throws in playful ad-libs, banters with the band, and even cracks a knowing smile at the camera. It’s a reminder of the magnetism that first made him a star – a performer feeding off the energy of the music and the audience.
The impact of the Comeback Special, and particularly “Trying To Get To You”, was undeniable. It served as a triumphant return to form for Elvis, reminding the world of his raw talent and undeniable charisma. The special itself became a cultural touchstone, influencing generations of musicians to come. It’s a testament to the enduring power of Elvis Presley, a man who, even after a perceived career slump, could ignite the stage with the sheer force of his talent and passion. So, when you hear “Trying To Get To You” from the Comeback Special, you’re not just listening to a song; you’re witnessing a legend reclaim his throne.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Trying To Get To You”
Even through the valleys, too
I’ve been traveling night and day
I’ve been running all the way
Baby, trying to get to you.
Ever since I read your letter
Where you said you loved me true
I’ve been traveling night and day
I’ve been running all the way
baby, trying to get to you
When I read your loving letter
Then my heart began to sing
There were many miles between us,
But they didn’t mean a thing.
I just had to reach you, baby,
In spite of all that I’ve been through.
I kept traveling night and day,
I kept running all the way,
Baby, trying to get to you.
Well if I had to do it over
That’s exactly what I’d do,
I would travel night and day,
And I’d still run all the way,
Baby, trying to get to you.
Well, there’s nothing that could hold me
Or that could keep me away from you
When your loving letter told me
That you really loved me true
Lord above me knows I love you
It was He who brought me through,
When my way was dark as night,
He would shine His brightest light,
When I was trying to get to you.