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 popularโand 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.
Working On the Building
Elvis Presley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's a true foundation
I'm holding up the blood-stained
Banner for my lord
Well I never get tired, tired, tired of working on the building
I'm going up to heaven to get my reward
I'm working on the building
I'm holding up the blood-stained
Banner for my lord
Well I never get tired, tired, tired of working on the building
I'm going up to heaven oh yeah, to get my reward
I'm working on the building
It's a true foundation
I'm holding up the blood-stained
Banner for my lord
Well I never get tired, tired, tired of working on the building
I'm going up to heaven oh yeah, to get my reward
I'm working on the building
It's a true foundation
I'm holding up the blood-stained
Banner for my lord
Well I never get tired, tired, tired of working on the building
I'm going up to heaven oh yeah, to get my reward
I'm working on the building
It's a true foundation
I'm holding up the blood-stained
Banner for my lord
Well I never get tired, tired, tired of working on the building
I'm going up to heaven oh yeah, to get my reward
The lyrics of "Working on the Building" by Elvis Presley recount the singer's commitment to building a true foundation, holding up a blood-stained banner for their lord. The song is a gospel tune that uses the metaphor of constructing a building to describe the spiritual work of creating a lasting foundation for faith. The singer claims to never tire of working on the building, believing that their reward is in heaven.
The blood-stained banner is a symbol of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and the redemption it brings to believers. Holding it up in the context of the song means that the singer is committed to spreading the message of salvation through Christ. The repetition of the phrase "I'm going up to heaven to get my reward" emphasizes the idea that the work done on earth will be rewarded in the afterlife.
The song's title, "Working on the Building," can also be interpreted as a call to action for believers. The building is a metaphor for the church and the need to constantly work on it to ensure that it remains strong and true to its foundation. The lyrics remind listeners that faith is not something that can be achieved and then forgotten, but a daily practice that requires commitment and effort.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm working on the building
I am dedicating my time and effort to the construction of a structure that holds great importance or significance.
It's a true foundation
The structure being built is being created on a solid and strong base, ensuring its longevity and resilience.
I'm holding up the blood-stained Banner for my lord
I am proudly representing and displaying a symbol that represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for his followers.
Well I never get tired, tired, tired of working on the building
My dedication to my faith and the construction of this structure is unwavering and unending, as it brings me great fulfillment.
I'm going up to heaven oh yeah, to get my reward
At the end of my life, I believe that I will receive a reward for my faith and dedication to building the kingdom of God.
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LILLIAN BOWLES, W. O. HOYLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
vilma moro
I wished they played Elvis's songs in church, I'd go every day. Without it's so boring. Long live Elvis.2021
zz99t2z
Fantastic remaster! Love that warm, rich sound!
Cocoa Femme
10-30-21: Starting this blessed day with THIS song of praise. Hallelujah!!!
SHYBA
My favorite Gospel song!!!
Great words to live by...!!!
REMEMBER THE KING ๐๐๐
Angie Martin
Yes!!!! Amen ๐๐ฝ ๐ตโค๏ธ
Mitch Arett
Great voice. Great song! Hallelujah, Elvis! See you in Glory! ๐
Antonio Sรกnchez
Estupendo sonido
koko 17
Love this and all of Elvis' gospel music. Gospel music might have been been his true calling!!
Mad Martigan93
Never knew Elvis sang gospel music. What a treasure
Jenny Rose
Pretty sure Elvis began by singing gospelโบ