One Night
Elvis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is what I'm now praying for
The things that we two could plan
Would make my dreams come true
Just call my name
And I'll be right by your side
I want your sweet helping hand
My loves too strong to hide
Always lived, very quiet life
I ain't never did no wrong
Now I know that life without you
Has been too lonely too long
One night with you
Is what I'm now praying for
The things that we two could plan
Would make my dreams come true
Always lived, very quiet life
I ain't never did no wrong
Now I know that life without you
Has been too lonely too long
One night with you
Is what I'm now praying for
The things that we two could plan
Would make my dreams come true
The lyrics of Elvis Presley's "One Night" express the longing of the singer for the company of his lover. He prays for just one night with his lover, because their planned activities together could fulfill his dreams, and his love for her is too intense to hide. He has, until now, lived a very quiet life without causing any trouble, but he realizes that living without his lover for so long has left him feeling severe loneliness.
The song captures the essence of the 1950s, a time when love songs were sweet, and there was an innocence to relationships that we seldom see anymore. It reflects the era's emphasis on love, loyalty, and dedication, and the power music had to evoke intense emotional responses.
Elvis Presley's rendition of "One Night" was a cover of R&B singer Smiley Lewis's 1956 song "One Night of Sin." Elvis's version soared to number one on the UK singles chart and number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. Although the song was racy for its time, the lyrics had to be edited to remove any sexual references, which was a common practice in the 1950s.
Line by Line Meaning
One night with you
The singer desires a single night of romantic intimacy with his beloved.
Is what I'm now praying for
The singer is fervently wishing for and seeking out the opportunity to spend one night with their beloved.
The things that we two could plan
Together with their beloved, the singer sees endless possibilities and potential for a fulfilling future.
Would make my dreams come true
The artist believes that this night and the future to come with their beloved would be the fulfillment of all their desires and wishes.
Just call my name
The artist is ready and waiting for their beloved to reach out and make contact.
And I'll be right by your side
The singer promises to be present and committed to their beloved, no matter what.
I want your sweet helping hand
The singer seeks the emotional and physical support of their beloved, someone to rely on and trust.
My loves too strong to hide
The artist's feelings for their beloved are so intense and undeniable, they cannot be ignored or kept secret.
Always lived, very quiet life
Prior to meeting their beloved, the artist lived a reserved and unremarkable existence.
I ain't never did no wrong
The artist is implying that their past behavior has been blameless, and they are deserving of love and affection.
Now I know that life without you
The singer realizes the emptiness of their life without their beloved, and is motivated to pursue them.
Has been too lonely too long
The artist has been alone and unfulfilled for a significant amount of time, and seeks companionship and love.
One night with you
Reiterating the singer's longing and desire to be with their beloved for a singular night.
Is what I'm now praying for
The singer is expressing their hope and yearning for the opportunity for that one special night with their beloved.
The things that we two could plan
Again highlighting the infinite possibilities and potential for a future shared with their beloved.
Would make my dreams come true
Reiterating that being with their beloved is the ultimate fulfillment of the artist's aspirations and desires.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management, RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: ANITA STEIMAN, DAVE BARTHOLOMEW, PEARL KING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jguarino
My 30 year old son went to Graceland... he told me after “now I get it”. He’s a total fan now. The King!
@nicky0016dd
LOVE this song!
He sang it with such passion and emotion! BEAUTIFUL!!
The King!!!!!
@suziwil5019
I'll never get tired of Elvis!
@NosSon-gb4cv
Even I don't forget my king.. I'm Starman
@magneto7930
One of the rare occasions when you can actually hear Elvis play electric guitar, playing those notes on the low register.
@essessessesq
correct...he also played it on the 1968 TV Special, borrowing Scotty Moore's electric guitar
@magneto7930
@@essessessesq yes, I saw it.
@essessessesq
@@magneto7930 he was quite good on guitar...and played electric bas on Baby I Don't Care because Bill Black was new to the electric bass and was having trouble with it that day...EP was also playing his Fender bass when the Beatles showed up to see him in 1965...Paul Mc says EP was playing bass to Charlie Rich's then current hit "Mohair Sam"...which Paul said the Beatles also liked!
@verahoward2341
One of my favorite Elvis songs. "One night" I don't think there's a song he ever sang that I didn't like. I believe he was sincere in all he did. God puts certain people here for a certain reason. And I believe God had a purpose these special people are far and few between. We were truly blessed with his presence.
@michaelcraig9449
FEW and FAR between! You got it backwards!