Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American sin… Read Full Bio ↴Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Regarded as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King".

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.

Hide Thou Me
Elvis Presley Lyrics

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Oh, rock of ages, hide thou me
There is no other refuge
Can save but thee
Through this old world
I've wandered so far, far from thee

Then I cry
Ooh, rock of ages

Hide thou me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Hide Thou Me" is a plea for protection and salvation to the "rock of ages," which is a biblical metaphor for God. Elvis Presley's rendition of this gospel song highlights his deep-seated faith and belief in the powerful force of spirituality in his life. The opening line of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, as Elvis asks for God to provide him with a safe haven that no one else can give. The line "There is no other refuge, can save but thee" emphasizes the idea that only God can provide the ultimate salvation and protection from the dangers and struggles of life.

The lyrics also reflect Elvis's personal journey of straying away from his faith and spiritual roots. The line "Through this old world, I've wandered so far, far from thee" showcases his acknowledgment of being lost and in need of guidance to find his way back to God. In the chorus, the repetition of the plea "Hide thou me" reinforces his need for God's protection and comfort. The use of the word "hide" suggests a desire for a sheltered and safe space, much like how a child would seek comfort from his parents' arms, highlighting the emotional depth of the song.

Hide Thou MeElvis Presley Lyrics

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Hide Thou Me
Elvis Presley Lyrics