About The Song
"You Gave Me a Mountain" is a poignant and emotionally charged song recorded by Elvis Presley. It was written by Marty Robbins and first appeared on Robbins's 1969 album "It's a Sin." Elvis Presley later covered the song and included it on his 1973 album "Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite."
The lyrics of "You Gave Me a Mountain" tell a powerful and sorrowful story of a man facing challenges and adversity in life. The metaphorical mountain in the song symbolizes the struggles and difficulties that the narrator must overcome. The emotional weight of the lyrics is heightened by Presley's soulful and expressive delivery, as he reflects on the challenges he has faced and the strength he has drawn from the support of a loved one.
Musically, the song is characterized by a slow tempo and a country ballad style. The arrangement features a prominent orchestration, adding depth and emotion to the overall sound. Presley's vocal performance is both tender and powerful, capturing the heart-wrenching essence of the song.
Elvis Presley's version of "You Gave Me a Mountain" became associated with one of his most iconic performances. He performed the song during his "Aloha from Hawaii" concert in 1973, which was broadcasted globally via satellite. This concert is notable for being one of the most-watched broadcasts in television history and showcases Presley's captivating stage presence and vocal prowess.
The song itself, with its introspective and emotionally charged lyrics, resonates with listeners who can relate to the themes of facing adversity and finding strength through love and support. "You Gave Me a Mountain" remains a standout track in Elvis Presley's later career, reflecting his ability to convey deep emotions through his music and connect with audiences on a profound level.
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Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Born in the heat of the desert
My mother died giving me life
Deprived of the love of a father
Blamed for the loss of his wife
You know Lord I've been in a prison
For something that I never done
It's been one hill after another
I've climbed them all one by one
But this time, Lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know I may never climb
It isn't just a hill any longer
You gave me a mountain this time
My woman got tired of heartaches
Tired of the grief and the strife
So tired of working for nothing
Just tired of being my wife
She took my one ray of sunshine
She took my pride and my joy
She took my reason for living
She took my small baby boy
But this time, Lord you gave me a mountain
A mountain you know I may never climb
It isn't just a hill any longer
You gave me a mountain this time