Elvis Presley – Trying To Get To You

About the Song

“Tryin’ to Get to You” is a song written by Rose Marie McCoy and Charles Singleton, initially recorded by the Washington DC vocal group The Eagles in 1954 and released on Mercury Records 70391. Elvis Presley later recorded five versions of the song in 1955, with the first recorded on March 23, 1955, and the second on July 11, 1955. The second session version was released during his lifetime.

Presley’s renditions of “Tryin’ to Get to You” showcase his evolving style and vocal delivery. The earlier version recorded on March 23, 1955, was erased of the piano sound after Presley played it while singing, as his piano skills were deemed below the expected standards. The master take retains only the lead guitar, bass, and drums. However, on the July session version, Presley’s piano playing is heard, and this version appeared on his self-titled 1956 LP.

Presley’s vocal style in “Tryin’ to Get to You” appears to be influenced by The Eagles’ lead singer, particularly evident in the warbles at specific points in the song. Presley’s vocal delivery includes an extended, seamless transition between the first and second verses, showcasing his unique approach to the song.

The track was released on Presley’s debut RCA album, “Elvis Presley,” in March 1956. It also appeared on various Elvis Presley releases, including the 1976 compilation “The Sun Sessions.” The song features Scotty Moore’s guitar solo, replacing the saxophone solo heard in The Eagles’ original recording. Overall, “Tryin’ to Get to You” stands as a testament to Presley’s ability to interpret and transform songs, leaving his indelible mark on the music.

Video

Lyric

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

 I’ve been traveling over mountains
Even through the valleys, too
I’ve been traveling night and day
I’ve been running all the way
Baby, trying to get to you.

Ever since I read your letter
Where you said you loved me true
I’ve been traveling night and day
I’ve been running all the way
baby, trying to get to you

When I read your loving letter
Then my heart began to sing
There were many miles between us,
But they didn’t mean a thing.

I just had to reach you, baby,
In spite of all that I’ve been through.
I kept traveling night and day,
I kept running all the way,
Baby, trying to get to you.

Well if I had to do it over
That’s exactly what I’d do,
I would travel night and day,
And I’d still run all the way,
Baby, trying to get to you.

Well, there’s nothing that could hold me
Or that could keep me away from you
When your loving letter told me
That you really loved me true

Lord above me knows I love you
It was He who brought me through,
When my way was dark as night,
He would shine His brightest light,
When I was trying to get to you.