Elvis Presley – You Gave Me a Mountain

Elvis Presley: A Mountain of Emotion in “You Gave Me a Mountain”

Elvis Presley’s rendition of “You Gave Me a Mountain” stands as a poignant testament to the King’s ability to imbue a song with raw, emotional depth. Originally penned by country singer-songwriter Marty Robbins, the song was released in 1969 and later gained iconic status through Presley’s powerful interpretation.

Background

At its core, “You Gave Me a Mountain” is a ballad of profound despair and resilience. The lyrics paint a bleak portrait of a man burdened by life’s challenges, with each verse revealing a new layer of hardship. Presley’s vocal delivery is nothing short of masterful, his voice trembling with a vulnerability that is both heartbreaking and captivating.

Recorded during one of the most tumultuous periods of his career, the song resonated deeply with audiences who were familiar with Presley’s personal struggles. His interpretation transformed the song from a country lament into a soul-bearing expression of anguish and hope.

Video

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