☝️ Key Points
- The song 'Black Velvet' is a tribute to the life and career of the legendary rock'n'roll singer Elvis Presley.
- 'Black Velvet' refers to the charismatic voice and charm of Elvis that captivated audiences.
- The song begins with a description of Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis, and the blues music scene there, which was shaped by musicians like Jimmy Rogers.
- The lines 'A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees / Black velvet if you please' illustrate the almost religious adoration of Elvis by his fans.
- The sudden death of Elvis is addressed, as well as the grief and disbelief of his fans, who felt that he sang each of his songs especially for them.
Interpretation
The song 'Black Velvet' by
Alannah Myles is a tribute to the legendary rock 'n' roll singer Elvis Presley. The 'black velvet' in the song's title refers to Elvis' smooth, silky voice and charismatic charm that captivated people.
The song begins with a scene in Mississippi, Elvis' birthplace, and describes an atmosphere of music and dance created by the music of Jimmy Rogers, a well-known blues singer.
The lines 'Black velvet and that little boy's smile / Black velvet with that slow southern style' illustrate Elvis' allure: his smile and southern charm that earned him the nickname 'The King'.
'A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees / Black velvet if you please' speaks of the almost religious adoration Elvis received from his fans. His music and style became a 'new religion' that captivated people.
The lines 'Every word of every song that he sang was for you / In a flash, he was gone, it happened so soon / What could you do?' refer to Elvis' sudden death. They express the sadness and disbelief of his fans, who felt that each of his songs was sung specifically for them.
Overall, 'Black Velvet' is a loving tribute to Elvis Presley and his unforgettable impact on the music world.