Introduction
A Longing for Love: The History of “Loving Arms”
“Loving Arms,” the soulful ballad by Elvis Presley, is a song steeped in longing and regret. While Elvis’s rendition is arguably the most famous, the song’s journey began with songwriter Tom Jans. In 1973, Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge recorded a duet version for their album “Full Moon,” showcasing the song’s potential for emotional resonance.
Elvis, however, took “Loving Arms” to another level. Released in 1974 on his album “Good Times,” Elvis’s version pulsates with a raw vulnerability. His powerful vocals convey a deep yearning for lost love and a sense of regret for past mistakes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who has strayed from the path of love and now finds himself longing for the comfort and security of “loving arms.”
The song’s success can be attributed to its universal theme of longing for connection and belonging. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt lost, lonely, or simply yearning for a love that has slipped away. Whether it’s the melancholic melody, the poignant lyrics, or the sheer depth of Elvis’s emotional delivery, “Loving Arms” remains a timeless classic that continues to touch hearts and evoke a yearning for love and reconciliation.
So, as you listen to Elvis sing “Loving Arms,” let yourself be transported to a world of longing and regret, and perhaps, you too, will find yourself yearning for the embrace of those “loving arms.”
Video
Lyrics
If you could see me now
The one who said that she’s rather roam
The one who said she’d rather be alone
If you could only see me nowIf I could hold you now
Just for a moment, if I could really make you mine
Just for a while, turn back the hands of time
If I could only hold you now[Chorus:]
I’ve been too long in the wind
Too long in the rain
Taking any comfort that I can
Looking back and longing for
The freedom of my chains
And lying in your loving arms againIf you could hear me now
Singing somewhere through the lonely nights
Dreaming of the arms that held me tight
If you could only hear me now[Repeat Chorus]
I can almost feel your loving arms again