Introduction
“Memories” is a song dating back to 1968, originally performed by Elvis Presley. Billy Strange and Mac Davis penned the song specifically for Presley’s inclusion in his comeback TV special titled “Elvis,” scheduled to air on NBC on December 3, 1968. Reflecting on the process, Mac Davis shared with Billboard: “They had asked for a song about looking back over the years, and oddly enough, I had to write it in one night. I stayed up all night at Billy Strange’s house in Los Angeles. He had a little office set up in his garage. I wrote it right there.”
Released in the United States in 1969, paired with “Charro,” the title song from the movie Charro!, on the B-side, “Memories” secured the 35th position on the Billboard Hot 100 during the week of April 12, 1969.
The song also found its place on the album “Elvis,” serving as the soundtrack for the NBC TV special where it made its debut. While the TV show featured a live recording of the song, the album showcases a studio version recorded on June 24.
According to the book “Rock Song Index: The 7500 Most Important Songs for the Rock and Roll Era,” “Memories” is considered the “hallmark of Elvis’ later period.”
Video
Lyrics
Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened thru the ages just like wineQuiet thought come floating down
And settle softly to the ground
Like golden autumn leaves around my feet
I touched them and they burst apart with sweet memories,
Sweet memoriesOf holding hands and red bouquets
And twilight trimmed in purple haze
And laughing eyes and simple ways
And quiet nights and gentle days with youMemories, pressed between the pages of my mind
Memories, sweetened thru the ages just like wine,
Memories, memories, sweet memories