Introduction
Elvis Presley’s rendition of “Long Black Limousine” is a poignant ballad that explores themes of love, loss, and unfulfilled dreams. The song was originally written by Vern Stovall and Bobby George in 1958, but it wasn’t until 1969 that Presley’s version appeared on his album “From Elvis in Memphis.”
The song’s imagery of a long black limousine conveys a sense of grandeur and tragedy. The mourners who line the streets as the limousine approaches signify the loss of a loved one, while the fancy cars and rich friends represent the trappings of wealth and fame that may not bring true happiness.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man who achieved his dream of riding in a limousine, only to lose his life in a tragic accident. The singer’s tear-filled eyes as she watches the limousine pass by capture the depth of her grief and the lingering hope that her loved one is still with her in spirit.
The song’s refrain, “All my dreams, yea, they’re with you in that long black limousine,” underscores the enduring power of love and the belief that even in death, our loved ones can still touch our hearts.
Presley’s soulful vocals and the Memphis Sound production lend emotional depth to the song, making it one of his most memorable and moving ballads. “Long Black Limousine” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today, its poignant lyrics and evocative imagery capturing the essence of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.
Watch The Video
Lyrics
There’s a long line of mourners driving down our little street
Their fancy cars are such a sight to see, oh, yeah
They’re all of your rich friends who knew you in the city
And now they’ve finally brought, brought you home to meWhen you left you know you told me that some day you’d be returnin’
In a fancy car all the town to see, oh, yeah
Well, now everyone is watching you, you finally had your dream
Yeah, and you’re ridin’ in a long black limousineYou know the papers told of how you lost your life, oh, yeah
The party, the party and the fatal crash that night
Well, the race upon the highway, oh, the curve you didn’t see
When you’re riding in that long black limousineYou’re riding in that long black limousine
Through tear filled eyes I watch as you ride by, oh, yeah
A chauffeur, a chauffeur at the wheel dressed up so fine
Well, I never, I never, never, never, oh, my heart, all my dreams
Yeah, they’re with you in that long black limousineYeah, yeah, they’re with you in that long black limousine
Yeah, yeah, yeah, they’re with you in that long black limousine
Yeah, yeah, they’re with you in that long black limousine