Are You Lonesome Tonight?

Elvis Presley

About Are You Lonesome Tonight?

"Are You Lonesome Tonight?" is a song which was written by Roy Turk and Lou Handman in 1926. It was recorded several times in 1927—first by Charles Hart, with successful versions by Vaughn De Leath, Henry Burr, and the duet of Jerry Macy and John Ryan. In 1950 the Blue Barron Orchestra version reached the top twenty on the Billboard's Pop Singles chart. In April 1960, after Elvis Presley's two-year service in the United States Army, he recorded the song at the suggestion of manager Colonel Tom Parker; "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" was Parker's wife, Marie Mott's, favorite song. Its release was delayed by RCA Victor executives, who thought the song did not fit Presley's new (and publicized) style. When "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" was released in November 1960 it was an immediate success in the U. S., topping Billboard's Pop Singles chart and reaching number three on the R&B chart. A month after the song's release, it topped the UK Singles Chart. Presley's version was certified by the Recording Industry Association of America for a Gold Record Award for 1,000,000 copies sold in the United States in 1983. It was upgraded by the RIAA to a 2xPlatinum Record Award for 2,000,000 sales in 1992. 


Year:
1977
2:57
102 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Are you lonesome tonight
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a brighter sunny day
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?
Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

I wonder if you're lonesome tonight
You know someone said that the world's a stage
And each must play a part
Fate had me playing in love you as my sweet heart
Act one was when we met, I loved you at first glance
You read your line so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seemed to change and you acted strange
And why I'll never know
Honey, you lied when you said you loved me
And I had no cause to doubt you
But I'd rather go on hearing your lies
Than go on living without you
Now the stage is bare and I'm standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you won't come back to me
Then make them bring the curtain down

Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Elvis Presley

Elvis Aron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. A cultural icon, he is commonly known by the single name Elvis. One of the most popular musicians of the 20th century, he is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King". more »

39 fans

Written by: Roy Turk, Lou Handman

Lyrics © BOURNE CO., RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING, T.R.O. INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Date
"Are You Lonesome Tonight?" was recorded by Elvis Presley on April 4, 1960, and released as a single later that year in November.
Song Origin
The song was originally composed by Lou Handman and Roy Turk in 1926. Presley's version was not the first; a number of artists had sung it before him, including Al Jolson and Frank Sinatra.
Chart Success
The song quickly became a hit, reaching the number one spot on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.
Gold Record
"Are You Lonesome Tonight?" earned Elvis a gold record from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1960.
Grammy Nomination
The song was nominated for the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007.
Presley's Favorite
It was reported to be one of Elvis Presley's personal favorite songs.
Command Performance
Elvis Presley was requested to perform this song by future wife Priscilla Beaulieu, during his military service in Germany.
Laughing Version
A later live recording of the song in 1969, known as the "Laughing Version", became famous because of an occurrence where Elvis started laughing uncontrollably during the spoken part of the song.
Film Appearance
"Are You Lonesome Tonight?" was featured in Presley's 1961 film, 'Wild in the Country'.
Cultural Impact
In 2002, the song was referenced in a monologue by Reese Witherspoon's character in the film 'Sweet Home Alabama', thereby continuing its cultural relevance.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by many other artists in the years since its release, including Doris Day, Merle Haggard, and Bryan Ferry.

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