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.
Mansion over the Hilltop
Elvis Presley Lyrics
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A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I want a gold one that's silver lined
I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely
I'm not discouraged I'm heaven bound
I'm but a pilgrim in search of the city
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown
I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander
But walk on streets that are purest gold
Elvis Presley's song Mansion Over the Hilltop is centered on the idea of heaven and the belief in life after death. The lyrics of the song convey the idea that the singer does not need much in this world, just a small cottage with a little silver and gold. However, the singer longs for a more significant reward, a mansion over the hilltop in the bright land, heaven. This reward is characterized by streets made of pure gold and the promise that the redeemed will never grow old.
The song's lyrics aim to remind the audience that what awaits them in the afterlife is more significant than what they have in this physical world. Christians who believe in the concept of eternity are taught to lay up their treasures in heaven rather than on earth. As such, the singer can be interpreted as a Christian who is confident in their reward of a mansion in heaven.
The song's upbeat rhythm, combined with the message of hope and faith, has made it a popular gospel tune. Elvis Presley's interpretation of the song gave it a new twist, making it more popular among his fans.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm satisfied with just a cottage below
I may not have much in life, but I am content with what I have.
A little silver and a little gold
I may not need a lot of money or wealth to be happy.
But in that city where the ransomed will shine
I believe in the promise of heaven and salvation through faith.
I want a gold one that's silver lined
I aspire to something better than what I have now, a grand and beautiful home in heaven.
I've got a mansion just over the hilltop
I believe that an incredible home awaits me in heaven, something beyond my wildest dreams.
In that bright land where we'll never grow old
Heaven will be a place of eternal youth and joy, where there is no aging, sickness or death.
And some day yonder we will never more wander
I look forward to a future in which I will no longer be lost or wandering, but at home in heaven.
But walk on streets that are purest gold
Every aspect of heaven will be beautiful and perfect, even the streets.
Don't think me poor or deserted or lonely
I am not lacking in anything, nor am I alone, because I believe in God's provision and love.
I'm not discouraged I'm heaven bound
I am confident in God's promise of salvation and eternal life in heaven.
I'm but a pilgrim in search of the city
I see myself as a traveler through life, seeking a better home in heaven.
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown
I anticipate a glorious future in which I will be rewarded with great honor and blessings in heaven.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira F. Stanphill
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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