Introduction
Elvis Presley’s “A Mess of Blues,” though released as the B-side to his iconic “It’s Now or Never” in 1960, carved its own path. This song wasn’t a soaring ballad, but a raw and soulful expression of heartbreak.
Written by songwriting duo Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, “A Mess of Blues” tapped into the emerging blues-rock sound. This wasn’t the rock and roll that made Elvis famous – it was grittier, more desperate. The lyrics paint a picture of a man on the edge, driven to desperation by a lost love: “I gotta get myself together/ Before I lose my mind.”
Despite being the B-side, “A Mess of Blues” resonated with audiences, particularly in the UK where it became a Top 5 hit. It showcased a different side of Elvis, one that went beyond the pelvis-thrusting persona. This was Elvis vulnerable, Elvis heartbroken, and Elvis pleading for escape – “I’m gonna catch the next train going/ And leave my blues behind.”
“A Mess of Blues” became a fan favorite, a hidden gem in Elvis’s vast catalog. It stands as a testament to his versatility and his ability to deliver a powerful vocal performance, even on a song not intended to be a chart-topper. So crank up the volume and get ready for a dose of Elvis Presley, the bluesman.