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.

True Love Travels On A Gravel Road
Elvis Presley Lyrics

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How many girls choose cotton dress worlds
When they could have satins and lace
And stand by her man, never once letting shade touch her face
How many hearts could live through all the winters
We've known and still not be cold
True love travels on a gravel road.

Love is a stranger and hearts are in danger

All through streets paved with gold
For true love travels on a gravel road.

Down through the years we've had hard times and tears
But they only helped our love grow
And we'll stay together no matter how strong the wind blows
Not once have I seen your blue eyes filled with envy
Or stray from the one that you hold
Oh true love travels on a gravel road.

Love is a stranger and hearts are in danger
All through streets paved with gold
For true love travels on a gravel road.

Yeah, true love travels on a gravel road. Mmmm

True love travels on a gravel road.
True love travels on a gravel road.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Elvis Presley's song "True Love Travels on a Gravel Road" convey a sense of appreciation for the simplicity and steadfastness of true love. The opening lines, “How many girls choose cotton dress worlds / When they could have satins and lace,” suggest that true love requires sacrifices and conscious choices to prioritize love and loyalty over superficial desires. The following lines, “And stand by her man, never once letting shade touch her face / How many hearts could live through all the winters / We’ve known and still not be cold,” imply that true love is enduring and can survive even in the midst of life’s inevitable difficulties and hardships. The refrain, “True love travels on a gravel road,” reinforces the idea that true love is humble and not defined by material wealth or appearances.

Later in the song, the lyrics suggest that pursuing love and staying committed to it requires taking risks and facing challenges. The lines, “Love is a stranger and hearts are in danger / All through streets paved with gold,” imply that the pursuit of love can be unpredictable and even hazardous. However, the subsequent lines reassure listeners that true love can withstand any obstacle: “Down through the years we’ve had hard times and tears / But they only helped our love grow / And we’ll stay together no matter how strong the wind blows / Not once have I seen your blue eyes filled with envy / Or stray from the one that you hold.” The song’s final refrain highlights the enduring nature of true love, repeating the idea that it “travels on a gravel road.”

Line by Line Meaning

How many girls choose cotton dress worlds
How many women choose modesty over extravagance

When they could have satins and lace
When they could have opted for luxury

And stand by her man, never once letting shade touch her face
And be loyal to her partner, never allowing any doubt or negativity come in between their love

How many hearts could live through all the winters
How many hearts could endure hardships and struggles

We've known and still not be cold
Yet not lose their warmth and affection for each other

True love travels on a gravel road.
Real love flourishes even in the midst of rough terrain and challenges

Love is a stranger and hearts are in danger
Love can be unpredictable and risky

All through streets paved with gold
Even in the midst of wealth and luxury

For true love travels on a gravel road.
True love transcends material possessions and external circumstances

Down through the years we've had hard times and tears
Throughout the years, we've faced challenges and difficulties

But they only helped our love grow
But those challenges only strengthened our love and made it deeper

And we'll stay together no matter how strong the wind blows
And we'll remain committed to each other no matter how tough the situation becomes

Not once have I seen your blue eyes filled with envy
I've never seen you be jealous or envious of others

Or stray from the one that you hold
Nor have you ever been unfaithful or disloyal to me

Oh true love travels on a gravel road.
True love endures through hardships and difficulties

Yeah, true love travels on a gravel road. Mmmm
Yes, real love can withstand any challenge or obstacle

True love travels on a gravel road.
Real love doesn't depend on material possessions or external circumstances

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DALLAS FRAZIER, ARTHUR OWENS SR.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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