Long ago and far away
In my old common labor shoes
I turned the world all which-a-way
Just because you asked me to

Likened to no other feel'
Summer love is simple true
There's no end to what I'd do
Just because you asked me to

Let the world call me a fool
Let it; things are right with me and you
That's all that matters and I'll do
Anything you ask me to

Knowin' how much I love you
After all I've been through
I'd turn and walk away from you
Just because you asked me to

Let the world call me a fool
Let it; things are right with me and you
That's all that matters and I'll do
Anything you ask me to

Overall Meaning

In Elvis Presley's song You Asked Me To, the singer addresses someone he loves deeply, but also explicitly states that he would do anything for them. The first line, "Long ago and far away," sets the tone for the rest of the song, specifically emphasizing the idea that the relationship between the singer and the person he loves has passed the test of time. He talks about his old "common labor shoes," an allusion to his upbringing, and how he has turned the world "all which-a-way" because of his love for them. This love is "likened to no other feel," and the singer would do "anything you ask me to" for this person.

The singer's love for the person is so strong that he doesn't mind if the world calls him a fool. He believes that "things are right" between them, and that's all that matters. This idea of doing anything for love, even if it makes you look foolish to the rest of the world, is a prominent theme in the song. It's also noteworthy that the singer says he would turn away from the person he loves "just because you asked me to," indicating that his love for them is not enough to make him stay if they wanted him to leave.

Overall, "You Asked Me To" is a song about love, loyalty, and the lengths a person will go to for someone they cherish deeply. Elvis Presley's delivery of the lyrics adds to the song's emotive quality, and the instrumentation brings an extra layer of depth to the message.

Line by Line Meaning

Long ago and far away
A long time ago in a distant location

In my old common labor shoes
In my worn-out work shoes

I turned the world all which-a-way
I completely changed the world around me

Just because you asked me to
Simply because you asked me to do it

Likened to no other feel'
Comparable to no other sensation

Summer love is simple true
The love we share in summertime is genuine and straightforward

There's no end to what I'd do
I am willing to go to any lengths to show my love for you

Let the world call me a fool
I do not care if people consider me foolish

Let it; things are right with me and you
As long as we're happy, it does not matter what others think

That's all that matters and I'll do
Making you happy is all that counts and I am willing to do anything

Anything you ask me to
Whatever you request of me, I will do it without hesitation