Elvis Presley – Trying To Get To You

The Enduring Legacy of “Tryin’ to Get to You” by Elvis Presley

“Tryin’ to Get to You” is a captivating song with a rich history, penned by R&B songwriters Rose Marie McCoy and Charles Singleton. Initially recorded by The Eagles, a vocal group from Washington D.C., in 1954, the song was released by Mercury Records. The Eagles’ version, marked by its characteristic apostrophe in the title, set the stage for what would become a timeless piece in the rock and roll canon.

The song’s journey took a significant turn when it caught the attention of a young Elvis Presley in 1955. Presley recorded multiple versions of “Tryin’ to Get to You”, demonstrating his deep connection to the song and his commitment to perfecting its delivery. The first session took place on March 23, 1955, followed by another on July 11 of the same year. It was the latter version that saw the light of day during Elvis’ lifetime, featured prominently on his groundbreaking self-titled 1956 LP, Elvis Presley.

One of the fascinating aspects of Elvis’ recordings of “Tryin’ to Get to You” is the evolution in his approach. During the earlier session, Elvis played the piano while singing, a fact revealed when the version appeared on the 1999 album Sunrise. However, producer Sam Phillips deemed Elvis’ piano playing not up to par and subsequently erased it from the master take, leaving only the vocals accompanied by lead guitar, bass, and drums. In contrast, the July session version preserved Elvis’ piano contribution, adding a unique layer to the track that fans could appreciate on his debut album.

Elvis’ interpretation of “Tryin’ to Get to You” was heavily influenced by The Eagles’ original, particularly the vocal stylings of their lead singer. Yet, Elvis infused the song with his distinctive flair, especially notable in his extended vocal warbles that seamlessly bridge the first and second verses. This technique, along with Scotty Moore’s guitar solo that replaced the saxophone solo from The Eagles’ version, highlighted Elvis’ ability to reinterpret and enhance the song while paying homage to its origins.

Beyond the studio recordings, “Tryin’ to Get to You” became a staple in Elvis’ live performances, showcasing its enduring appeal. Notable live versions include those on Elvis (NBC TV Special), Elvis: As Recorded Live on Stage in Memphis, and Elvis in Concert. Each performance brought new life to the song, demonstrating Elvis’ versatility and deep emotional connection to the piece.

The track’s inclusion on Presley’s March 1956 RCA debut album Elvis Presley and its subsequent feature on the iconic The Sun Sessions release in 1976 further cemented its place in rock and roll history. Over the years, “Tryin’ to Get to You” has appeared on numerous Elvis compilations, ensuring that new generations of listeners continue to discover and appreciate this classic.

In summary, “Tryin’ to Get to You” is not just a song but a testament to Elvis Presley’s artistry and his ability to transform and elevate the work of others. Its rich history, from its R&B roots with The Eagles to its rock and roll resurgence with Elvis, exemplifies the timeless nature of great music and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest performers in history.

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Lyric

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

 I’ve been traveling over mountains
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.