About the song
If You Talk in Your Sleep by Elvis Presley: A Country Ballad with a Touch of Soul
In the realm of country music, Elvis Presley stands as a towering figure, an icon whose influence continues to reverberate through the decades. His music, a captivating blend of traditional country, rock and roll, and gospel, resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him the well-deserved title of “King of Rock and Roll.” Among his extensive repertoire of hits, one particular song stands out for its poignant lyrics and soulful melody: “If You Talk in Your Sleep.”
Released in 1974 as part of the album Promised Land, “If You Talk in Your Sleep” quickly ascended to popularity, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 6 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the complexities of love and relationships, weaving a tale of longing, vulnerability, and unspoken desires.
Penned by the songwriting duo of Red West and Johnny Christopher, “If You Talk in Your Sleep” opens with a gentle guitar strumming, setting the stage for Presley’s smooth, emotive vocals. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man yearning for deeper connection with his beloved, hoping to decipher the secrets she reveals in her dreams.
“If you talk in your sleep, I’ll listen real close,” he sings, his voice laced with a tender mix of curiosity and affection. “Maybe I’ll find out what goes on in your mind most of the time.” The song progresses with a sense of anticipation, the listener drawn into the intimate world of the narrator’s hopes and fears.
As the melody unfolds, the lyrics delve into the realm of unspoken emotions, hinting at unspoken desires and the longing for a deeper understanding of the one he loves. “Do you ever think of me, do you ever cry?” he asks, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability.
“If You Talk in Your Sleep” is more than just a love song; it’s a testament to the power of dreams and the unspoken language of the heart. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever yearned to know the true thoughts and feelings of another, to bridge the gap between reality and the dreamscape where our deepest desires reside.
With its timeless melody, relatable lyrics, and Presley’s heartfelt vocals, “If You Talk in Your Sleep” remains a cherished classic, a country ballad that transcends genres and generations. It’s a song that speaks to the universal human experience of love, longing, and the yearning for connection, reminding us that even in our dreams, we seek to be understood and loved.
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Lyrics
“If You Talk In Your Sleep”
I know you’re a lonely woman and I love you
But someone else is waiting and he owns you
If he should ever wake up, make sure that your story is straight love
If you talk in your sleep don’t mention my name
And if you walk in your sleep forget where you cameWalking every night here in the shadows
So afraid that sometime he may follow
There’s always the chance he’ll find us
I don’t need to remind you
If you talk in your sleep don’t mention my name
If you walk in your sleep forget where you cameLove is so much sweeter when it’s borrowed
I’ll feel a little easier tomorrow
Don’t give our secret away, be careful what you say
If you talk in your sleep don’t mention my name
If you walk in your sleep forget where you cameForget where you came, now
Forget where you came
Don’t mention my name
Don’t mention my name
Forget where you came