About the song
Elvis Presley and the Poignant Ballad of “Long Black Limousine”
In the realm of music, few names evoke the same level of recognition and reverence as Elvis Presley. The King of Rock and Roll’s impact on popular culture is undeniable, and his music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Among his vast repertoire of iconic songs, “Long Black Limousine” stands out as a poignant ballad that showcases Presley’s versatility and emotional depth.
Released in 1970 as part of the album “That’s the Way It Is,” “Long Black Limousine” paints a somber picture of a funeral procession, with the titular vehicle carrying the deceased to their final resting place. The lyrics, penned by renowned songwriter Alden “Buzz” Burrows, capture the solemnity and grief of the occasion, while Presley’s emotive vocals infuse the song with a profound sense of loss and longing.
The song’s opening lines, “There’s a long line of mourners driving down our little street,” immediately establish the somber mood, as the procession of mourners makes its way through the neighborhood. The imagery of the “fancy cars” and “rich friends” attending the funeral highlights the contrast between the deceased’s humble beginnings and their eventual wealth, adding a layer of poignancy to the narrative.
As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the deceased’s loved ones, with Presley singing, “They’re all of your rich friends who knew you at the start.” These lyrics underscore the fleeting nature of life and the enduring impact of relationships, as those who knew the deceased in their early days pay their respects.
The chorus, “Long black limousine, carry me away,” serves as a powerful refrain, emphasizing the finality of death and the inevitable journey that awaits all living beings. The repetition of these lines adds to the song’s emotional weight, as the listener is drawn into the depths of the narrator’s grief.
The bridge of the song introduces a glimmer of hope, as the narrator reflects on the deceased’s life, singing, “You never had much, but you always had a smile.” These lines paint a portrait of a resilient individual who found joy in life despite facing challenges, offering a small measure of solace amidst the sorrow.
The song concludes with a reiteration of the chorus, leaving a lasting impression of the funeral procession and the profound impact of the deceased’s passing. Presley’s vocals, imbued with raw emotion, perfectly capture the weight of grief and the lingering memories of a life well-lived.
“Long Black Limousine” stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s ability to deliver heartfelt ballads that resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level. The song’s poignant lyrics and Presley’s expressive vocals combine to create a moving tribute to those who have departed, offering a reminder of the preciousness of life and the enduring power of love and memory.
Video
Lyrics
“Long Black Limousine”
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