Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, made him enormously popular—and controversial.
In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He held few concerts however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate, just 42 years of age.
Presley is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. Commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.
City by Night
Elvis Presley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Night people hear the call
From hidden alleys, secret rendezvous
They come out one and all
The city by night I'm wide awake
It never sleeps make no mistake
A magic glow lights the dark
Then I'm intrigued by the sight
Of the city by night
Those crowded nightclubs
Those picturesque cafes
Are scenes no-one forgets
And I'm enchanted, music softly plays
By dancing silhouettes
The city by night I'm wide awake
It never sleeps make no mistake
The evening's full of surprise
It's magic opens my eyes
And I'm intrigued by the sight
Of the city by night
Yeah!
In Elvis Presley's song "City by Night," he describes the allure and excitement of the urban nightlife. The night time brings a sense of mystery and intrigue, as people emerge from hidden alleys and secret rendezvous to roam the dim-lit avenues. The singer is wide awake, as the city never sleeps and there is always something happening. Whether it is the magic glow that lights up the dark or the music softly playing in picturesque cafes and crowded nightclubs, the singer is enchanted and captivated by the sight of the city by night.
The lyrics paint a picture of a vibrant and lively city, full of surprises and potential adventures. The night time brings a sense of freedom and allows people to let go of their inhibitions as they dance and mingle with others. Elvis Presley captures the essence of the night time in the city and the excitement it brings.
Overall, the lyrics of "City by Night" show Elvis Presley's appreciation for the urban nightlife and his ability to capture the essence of the city's energy and allure.
Line by Line Meaning
When shadows beckon on dim-lit avenues
As the night falls, shadows start to appear on the poorly-lit streets.
Night people hear the call
People who enjoy nightlife can't resist the temptation to go out and have fun.
From hidden alleys, secret rendezvous
There are several places that are not very visible where people gather to have fun.
They come out one and all
Without prejudice or discrimination, anyone who wants to participate can join the group.
The city by night I'm wide awake
The city at night is so captivating that it makes me feel fully alert.
It never sleeps make no mistake
Even in the middle of the night, the city is constantly moving and evolving.
Whatever sets off the spark
Anything can be a trigger that ignites the excitement and energy of the night scene.
A magic glow lights the dark
Despite the absence of light, the city has a particular aura that illuminates the night.
Then I'm intrigued by the sight
By seeing this blend of people, culture, and happiness, I become fascinated and captivated.
Those crowded nightclubs
The nightclubs are brimming with people in search of fun and entertainment.
Those picturesque cafes
The local cafes have a particular charm that extends beyond the taste of their food or drink.
Are scenes no-one forgets
These streets, cafes, and nightclubs create personal memories that are always cherished.
And I'm enchanted, music softly plays
This environment bewitches me, and the music enhances the mood and experience.
By dancing silhouettes
The dance floors are full of people enjoying the beat, seen as only silhouettes in the dim-lit environment.
The evening's full of surprise
The city's nightlife offers unpredictable and exciting experiences.
It's magic opens my eyes
My eyes are opened to the possibilities of excitement and amazement in the world.
And I'm intrigued by the sight
The night scene continues to fascinate and enthrall me.
Of the city by night
This environment is unique and full of wonder only in the night time.
Yeah!
The culmination of the excitement felt in the city at night.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BERNIE BAUM, BILL GIANT, FLORENCE KAYE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Virginia Jaab
What a find. Really amazing. Hard to believe that this song is so little known. The treasure of Elvis seems immense. Thank you so much for sharing. It makes my day.
IZABEL CRISTINA MACHADO DOS SANTOS
todas as músicas que ele cantava , encantava tudo mundo, nossa. thanku a pelo vídeo.
Ana Rodriguez
De lo mejor de Elvis, increíble. Amo esta canción.
Sean Fitzpatrick
Super song it showed Elvis could sing jazz I wish you would have done more songs like this during the 60s and he definitely should have played James Bond and saying this kind of music during the sixties it would have fit him much better
Evert Van Der Hik
Almost in Love and Beginner's Luck are examples of his jazz potential
Ana Isabel Rodriguez Charte
The king, forever and ever
Chanelle Standage
I love Elvis Presley👍🎸🎸☺
Elisabeth Benko
Untouchable....the KING for ever!!!❤
bobbie l
I love Elvis!!!
Roberto Balbo
Lembrei já vi, muito bom.