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.
Proud Mary
Elvis Presley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Workin' for the man every night and day
Haven't ever lost one minute of sleepin'
Worried about the way things might have been
A big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
If you come down to the river
Betcha you're gonna find some people who live
You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money
People on the river are happy to give
I said, a big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
If you come down to the river
I betcha you're gonna find some people who live
You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money
People on the river are happy to give
I said, a big wheel keep on turnin'
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
The first few lines of Elvis Presley's song "Proud Mary" tell the story of a person who had a good job in the city. This person worked every night and day for "the man" but had never lost any sleep or worried about how things might have been. This could speak to someone who is content with their work and doesn't dwell on what-ifs. Then, the lyrics mention a "big wheel" that keeps on turning, which can be interpreted as time, as things keep moving forward even when we stay stagnant. The chorus, "Proud Mary keep on burnin' / Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river," can have multiple meanings. The river could symbolize life, and the Proud Mary could represent the passage of time, moving forward despite any obstacles in our paths.
The second verse speaks about people who live by the river, who are willing to help and give to those in need, regardless of whether or not they have money. This could represent the kindness of strangers and the beauty of the human spirit. The chorus repeats itself, emphasizing the idea of time passing and things moving forward, no matter what happens.
Overall, "Proud Mary" can be interpreted in many ways, but it inspires listeners to keep going and keep moving forward, despite any challenges that may arise.
Line by Line Meaning
Left a good job in the city
Elvis left a stable and high paying job in the city to pursue his dreams in the music industry
Workin' for the man every night and day
Elvis was working tirelessly for his boss every day and night, with little satisfaction and recognition for his work
Haven't ever lost one minute of sleepin'
Despite the risks and uncertainties, Elvis was not afraid of pursuing his dreams and was entirely confident in his decision
Worried about the way things might have been
Elvis did not want to have any regrets in the future, and was concerned about the possibility of 'what if' he had not pursued his dreams
A big wheel keep on turnin'
The world keeps turning and changing, regardless of individual struggles and aspirations
Proud Mary keep on burnin'
Continuing to persevere through challenges and obstacles, even though it's tough to do so
Rollin', rollin', rollin' on a river
Imagery of the constant flow of time, and how it is always moving forward and never stops
If you come down to the river
If one takes a journey or seeks new experiences, they may find themselves in a different place in life
Betcha you're gonna find some people who live
There are always people around who are content with their lives and find happiness in their current circumstances
You don't have to worry 'cause you have no money
Living a happy and fulfilled life does not always depend on financial success or material possessions
People on the river are happy to give
There are always kind and generous people in life who are willing to lend a helping hand or offer support when needed
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Cameron Fogerty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
krystyna gorazdowska
Widać że Elvis kocha to co robi, śpiewa cały sobą, robi to z oddaniem , przezywa bardzo każda piosenkę, KING!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Zofia Smajek
Tak,Krystyna To prawda!
krystyna gorazdowska
@Zofia Smajek Elvis wszystko co robił, za co się wziął, musiał robic najlepiej, był perfekcjonista
ROCKINGMAN
Never a dull moment with Elvis. I would imagine he respected everyone who helped him make it all work, the roadies, the promoters, musicians, managers, his entourage and his fans. But, we all depended on him to give us this excitement, the man and his music, what a guy, what a performer! Elvis - probably the most dynamic singer of all time......
Flight of the Bumblebee
Elvis was a huge fan of James Dean, the Righteous Brothers, and Credence Clearwater Revival. Elvis was humble and a truly awesome human being.
Tony Suvega
HE WAS INDEED😊😅 1:01
Mark Salmon
Elvis and everyone with him nailing it 🖤
FRANCISCO FERREIRA
ELVIS PRESLEY FOREVER
SENSACIONAL
FANTÁSTICO
MARAVILHOSO
👏👏👏
Troy Pankow
He always sings the cover better than the original artist makes it his own.
Kevin Judy
CEPT FOR BLUEBERRY HILL 😮