About The Song
Remember a time before the electrifying stage presence, the sequined jumpsuits, and the throngs of screaming fans? Imagine a young Elvis Presley, brimming with raw talent and a captivating earnestness. “Words of a Friend (Sound Advice)” offers a glimpse into this early Elvis, a time when his music resonated with a quiet sincerity and a touch of homespun wisdom.
Released in 1965 as part of the soundtrack for the film Follow That Dream, “Words of a Friend (Sound Advice)” predates Elvis’s meteoric rise to fame. Here, we hear a young Elvis, his voice yet to fully mature but already possessing a captivating quality. The song itself is a ballad, a genre that allowed Elvis to showcase his softer side and explore themes of friendship and guidance.
The lyrics paint a picture of a friend offering heartfelt advice. The narrator encourages the listener to stay true to themselves, to follow their dreams, and to avoid the pitfalls of chasing fleeting fame or fortune. Lines like “Don’t let the glitter in your eyes blind you to the truth” and “A real friend’s worth more than any diamond ring” showcase a simple wisdom that resonates across generations. Elvis delivers these lyrics with a genuine sincerity, his voice conveying a sense of empathy and concern for a friend’s well-being. There’s a touch of vulnerability in his delivery, hinting at the challenges Elvis himself might have faced as a young man navigating the music industry.
Musically, the arrangement is equally understated. A gentle acoustic guitar strumming lays the foundation, punctuated by the subtle bass line and the occasional brush of drums. There are no elaborate flourishes or dramatic instrumentals here. The focus is on Elvis’s voice and the heartfelt message of the song.
“Words of a Friend (Sound Advice)” might not be a rock and roll anthem, but it’s a song that showcases Elvis Presley’s potential as a storyteller and a messenger of simple truths. It’s a reminder that even the King of Rock and Roll had a heart that valued friendship and offered genuine advice. So, put on your headphones, close your eyes, and let Elvis transport you back to a simpler time with “Words of a Friend (Sound Advice)”, a song that reminds us of the importance of good advice and staying true to oneself.
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