About The Song
Background
“Almost Always True” was a song recorded by Elvis Presley for the 1961 film “Blue Hawaii”. The songwriters were Fred Wise and Ben Weisman. It’s a medium-tempo rock and roll song with doo-wop influences, a genre Elvis was known for in his early career. In the movie, the song is performed by Elvis’s character as he serenades a group of tourists on the beach.
Themes
The lighthearted lyrics tell the story of a man who is mostly faithful to his girlfriend, but with a hint of playful temptation. The song explores themes of:
- Fidelity: The core theme is the narrator’s attempt to assure his girlfriend of his loyalty, though admitting to a brief moment of weakness.
- Temptation: The song acknowledges the allure of other women, represented by the “pretty mademoiselle.”
- Self-Control: The lyrics depict the narrator resisting temptation and staying true (almost always).
Lyrics
The song’s playful lyrics use a catchy rhyme scheme and repetition to deliver the message. Here’s a quick look at some key lines:
- “I was always, baby, I was always. Well, almost always true to you.” (establishes the theme of near-perfect fidelity)
- “Met a pretty mademoiselle. Her papa owned a small hotel. Oh, I was almost always true to you.” (introduces the temptation)
- “I resisted, though my arm was twisted.” (shows the narrator’s resistance)
- “Stayed away from drinking wine. Thought about you all the time.” (further emphasizes his loyalty)
“Almost Always True” is a fun and catchy song that showcases Elvis’s charisma and vocal style. While not one of Presley’s most famous songs, it remains a favorite among fans and adds to the lighthearted tone of the movie “Blue Hawaii.”
Video
Lyric
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!