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.
Promised Land
Elvis Presley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
California on my mind
I straddled that Greyhound
And rode into Raleigh and on across Caroline
We had motor trouble that turn into a struggle
Halfway across Alabama
And that hound broke down and left us all stranded
Right away I brought me a through train ticket
Ridin' across Mississippi clean
I was on that midnight flyer out of Birmingham
Smoking into New Orleans
Somebody help me get out of Louisiana
Just help me get to Houston Town
There are people there, who care a little about me
And they won't let the poor boy down
Sure as you're born brought me a silk suit
Put luggage in my hand
And I woke up high over Albuquerque
On a jet to the promised land
Working on a T-bone steak a la carte
Flying over to the golden state
When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gate
Swing low chariot come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephone
Los Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia
Tidewater four ten o nine
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land calling
And the poor boy is on the line
Working on a T-bone steak a la carte
Flying over to the golden state
When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gate
Swing low chariot come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephone
Los Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia
Tidewater four ten o nine
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land calling
And the poor boy is on the line
The lyrics of Elvis Presley's "Promised Land" describe a journey from Norfolk Virginia to California, and the numerous obstacles faced along the way. The song is about chasing one’s dream and going after it with determination, as well as the idea of the promised land, or a better life that is waiting for the individual. The first verse sets the scene for the journey that he is embarking on, leaving his home and heading towards California. The second verse describes the various struggles, including having motor trouble and breaking down in Birmingham. Despite these setbacks, the singer keeps moving forward.
The third verse focuses on the singer’s journey across Mississippi, with him finally reaching New Orleans with the help of a “through train ticket”. The phrase "somebody help me get out of Louisiana, just help me get to Houston Town" could imply a sense of isolation and desperation on his part, and a desire for some company and relief. The fourth verse describes the singer’s arrival in the "promised land", with him being rewarded for his journey with a silk suit and the ability to travel in luxury. The closing verse refers to returning home and wanting to share his experience with others, to show that it is possible to make your way to the “promised land” and achieve your dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
I left my home in Norfolk Virginia
I departed from my hometown of Norfolk, Virginia.
California on my mind
I was thinking about California and had a strong desire to go there.
I straddled that Greyhound
I boarded a Greyhound bus.
And rode into Raleigh and on across Caroline
I traveled through Raleigh and across the state of North Carolina.
We had motor trouble that turn into a struggle
Our vehicle experienced mechanical difficulties which became a difficult situation for us.
Halfway across Alabama
We had traveled halfway through the state of Alabama.
And that hound broke down and left us all stranded
The Greyhound bus broke down and we were all left without transportation.
In downtown Birmingham
We were stranded in the downtown area of Birmingham, Alabama.
Right away I brought me a through train ticket
Immediately, I purchased a train ticket that would take me all the way through to my destination.
Ridin' across Mississippi clean
As I traveled through Mississippi, everything was going smoothly.
I was on that midnight flyer out of Birmingham
I departed on a nighttime flight out of Birmingham.
Smoking into New Orleans
The flight was headed towards New Orleans and I was smoking on the plane.
Somebody help me get out of Louisiana
I need someone to assist me in leaving Louisiana.
Just help me get to Houston Town
Please assist me in getting to Houston.
There are people there, who care a little about me
I know people in Houston who have some level of concern for me.
And they won't let the poor boy down
And they will not disappoint me, even though I may be considered lower-class or disadvantaged.
Sure as you're born brought me a silk suit
I was certainly able to obtain a nice silk suit.
Put luggage in my hand
Someone handed me my luggage.
And I woke up high over Albuquerque
I woke up while we were flying high over Albuquerque, New Mexico.
On a jet to the promised land
I was on a plane headed towards the land of opportunity, the place of my dreams.
Working on a T-bone steak a la carte
I was eating a delicious T-bone steak with various side dishes.
Flying over to the golden state
I was flying over to the state of California, the golden state of the west coast.
When the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
The pilot announced that in thirteen minutes, we would be arriving at our destination.
He would set us at the terminal gate
The pilot would land the plane and bring us to the airport terminal gate.
Swing low chariot come down easy
I reference the gospel song 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' asking for an easy arrival to my destination.
Taxi to the terminal zone
The plane was taxiing to the airport terminal zone.
Cut your engines and cool your wings
The plane's engines should be shut down and the wings should be allowed to cool.
And let me make it to the telephone
Please allow me to reach the phone so I can call someone.
Los Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia
I'm asking for someone in Los Angeles to connect me to Norfolk, Virginia.
Tidewater four ten o nine
I'm providing a phone number to the person in Los Angeles that starts with an area code for the Tidewater region of Virginia.
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land calling
Let my family and friends know that I've made it to the place I've always wanted to be.
And the poor boy is on the line
I'm the poor boy who is making this call and I'm happy to share my success with those back home.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chuck Berry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aldo Lara
I left my home in Norfolk Virginia
California on my mind
I straddled that Greyhound
And rode into Raleigh
And on across Caroline
We had motor trouble that turned into a struggle
Halfway across Alabam'
And that hound broke down and left us all stranded
In downtown Birmingham
Right away I brought me a through train ticket
Ridin' across Mississippi clean
And I was on that midnight flyer out of Birmingham
Smoking into New Orleans
Somebody help me get out of Louisiana
Just to help me get to Houston Town
There are people there who care a little about me
And they won't let the poor boy down
Sure as she bore me, she bought me a silk suit
Put luggage in my hand
And I woke up high over Alburquerque
On a jet to the promised land
Working on a T-bone steak a la carte
Flying over to the golden state
Ah when the pilot told us in thirteen minutes
He would set us at the terminal gate
Swing low chariot come down easy
Taxi to the terminal zone
Cut your engines and cool your wings
And let me make it to the telephone
Los Angeles give me Norfolk Virginia
Tidewater four ten o nine
Tell the folks back home this is the promised land calling
And the poor boy is on the line
Melvis1
December 15, 1973
Promised Land
Stax Studios
Memphis, TN
Lovin' Elvis The Legendary Rockin' Iconic King Always and Forever and EVER!!
'Until We Meet Again,
May God Bless You,
As He Has Blessed Me'.....EP
- Adios
TCB⚡ with TLC⚡
Надя Попова
Элвис Пресли. Зажигательно исполняет песню. Супер. Всё исполнение схвачено и отточено до мелочей.
Thomas Hall
All I have to say is that I was born in '42, saw the rise of the 'children' saw myself and my friends ascend, to a level we never knew existed, Elvis gave us a voice, broke the chains of rigid parental control, made us realise that we were people with our own views, opinions, and values, and, we have turned out ok, haven't we.
Andy Jay
This is American rock & roll at its best.
Sung by Elvis,written by Chuck Berry.
Brilliant.
Tommy S
Burning Love was my facvorite, and made me an Elvis-fan at about 6-7 years old. (Now I am 47 later this year).
This song is perhaps even better! Fantastic car driving song if you drive fast! Like in Men in Black!, tunnel scene! 😀😎
George Vreeland Hill
My favorite song! Elvis RULES forever! George Vreeland Hill
Надя Попова
Элвис пресли. Хорошо, когда он один на фото, тогда всегда точно схвачено его настроение, его индивидуальность.
Phil Silverman
was great to hear this at the time...was worried that BURNING LOVE would be the last fast one (of new singles) he'd do!!!
Marilyn Mosley
Love me some Elvis. Nobody can ever top Elvis..
He will be Always & Forever the King of rock “n “Roll... What more can be said?? He’s the greatest of the he great..
Roberto Rovere
Close your eyes and try to Imagine: a duet with Chuck playing his Guitar and Elvis singing this song! Then you'd reach the real Promised Land.
Robert Benhart
I like this better than the official recording. Awesome stuff!