Introduction:
Let’s Forget About the Stars: A Love Song with a Touch of Rebellion
Elvis Presley’s “Let’s Forget About the Stars” isn’t one of his most well-known tunes, but it offers a glimpse into a specific time in his career and a tender message about love and destiny.
Here’s what we know about the song’s history:
Recording: “Let’s Forget About the Stars” was recorded in October 1968 at Samuel Goldwyn Studio in Hollywood. This places it towards the latter half of Presley’s career, a period where he was focusing more on soundtrack recordings for his films.
Writer: The song was written by Arthur L. Owens, a songwriter who contributed to several of Presley’s recordings throughout the 1960s.
Release: “Let’s Forget About the Stars” wasn’t released as a single and initially appeared only on the compilation album “Elvis” (also known as “The US Male”) in 1968.
Unveiling the Message
The lyrics paint a picture of someone disillusioned with following promises of love and happiness dictated by fate or external forces, possibly including astrology (“If you let the stars keep telling you / Who to love and not to love”). The singer offers an alternative: a love based on genuine connection and present feelings (“Surrender to love, let’s forget about the stars”).
This theme of defying destiny and embracing present love aligns with the counterculture movements gaining momentum in the late 1960s. It adds a subtle layer of rebellion to the typical romantic ballad, making “Let’s Forget About the Stars” a unique entry in Presley’s catalog.
Setting the Stage
With its smooth melody and Presley’s signature soulful vocals, “Let’s Forget About the Stars” invites listeners to a world of romantic possibility. It’s a song that feels perfect for swaying close to someone special, a quiet declaration of love that defies the predetermined and embraces the power of connection.