Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” is a sultry rock song that is a tribute to Elvis Presley, celebrating his legacy, charisma, and cultural impact. The lyrics blend nostalgia, longing, and admiration for a musical icon whose influence remains unmatched.
Below you’ll find a full interpretation of the lyrics in “Black Velvet.”
- Song: Black Velvet
- Artist: Alannah Myles
- Songwriters: David Tyson, Christopher Ward
- Released: 1989
- Album: Alannah Myles
- Genre: Country rock, Blues rock
What is “Black Velvet” About?
Verse 1: Nostalgia and the Power of Music
Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell
Jimmie Rodgers on the Victrola up high
These lines set the stage for the song, establishing a sense of place and time.
The mention of Mississippi suggests Southern roots, and “dry spell” hints at a period of hardship or longing.
Jimmie Rodgers, a significant figure in early country music, plays a symbolic role in connecting the song to the past, with the “Victrola” reinforcing the nostalgic feel.
Mama’s dancin’ with baby on her shoulder
The sun is settin’ like molasses in the sky
This imagery adds warmth and nostalgia, depicting a mother and child in a joyful, intimate moment.
The slow, golden sunset “like molasses” enhances the tranquil, timeless atmosphere of the South and brings back memories of simpler, more connected times.
The music serves as a backdrop for this tender family moment.
Chorus: The Magnetic Appeal of Elvis Presley
Black velvet and that little boy’s smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
These lines emphasize the allure of Elvis Presley, with “black velvet” symbolizing his signature style and magnetic presence.
The reference to his “little boy’s smile” highlights his youthful charm, while “slow southern style” links his smooth, laid-back manner to his Southern roots.
Together, these lines capture the essence of Elvis as both a person and a performer, appealing to the emotions of his fans.
A new religion that’ll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please
In these lines, the song amplifies the almost spiritual adoration fans had for Elvis Presley.
Describing him as a “new religion” that brings listeners “to your knees” suggests the power and devotion he inspired, elevating his presence to something more than just music.
The phrase “Black velvet if you please” reinforces the idea that this almost reverential experience is a request or a plea, adding to the sense of longing and reverence toward his iconic status.
Verse 2: Elvis’ Influence and Legacy
Up in Memphis, the music’s like a heatwave
White lightning, bound to drive you wild
She’s talking about the intense energy and excitement surrounding the music scene in Memphis, often referred to as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.
Describing the music as a “heatwave” and “white lightning” conveys the electrifying, wild nature of the sound, with Presley’s music at the forefront.
The comparison to natural forces amplifies the undeniable power and impact his music had on listeners.
Mama’s baby’s in the heart of every schoolgirl
“Love Me Tender” leaves ’em cryin’ in the aisle
The first line points to the widespread appeal of Elvis, with young women in particular feeling a deep connection to him.
The phrase “Mama’s baby’s in the heart of every schoolgirl” symbolizes how Elvis captured the hearts of his audience, especially teenage girls.
The reference to “Love Me Tender” highlights Elvis’ ability to inspire powerful emotions, with the song moving listeners to tears as they experienced the depth of his music. This line illustrates the lasting emotional impact Presley had on his fans.
Bridge: The Fleeting Nature of Fame
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?
The bridge illustrates the tragic and fleeting nature of Elvis Presley’s life and career. Despite his larger-than-life persona, he was gone far too soon.
The line “What could you do?” expresses the helplessness fans felt as they mourned his untimely death.
Here, the song captures the bittersweet reality of fame. While Presley’s music lives on, his physical presence was lost in an instant.
The Meaning Behind the Title “Black Velvet”
The phrase “black velvet” carries multiple layers of meaning. On one level, it symbolizes the smooth, sensual quality of Elvis Presley’s voice, which had a timeless and almost hypnotic effect. On another level, it represents mourning and loss, as black velvet is often associated with funerals or memorials.
This dual meaning perfectly captures the essence of “Black Velvet”: a celebration of Presley’s legacy mixed with the sadness of his passing.
Songs Like “Black Velvet”
If you’re drawn to the soulful, nostalgic feel of “Black Velvet”, here are some other songs that have similar themes:
1. “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron
A track about love, loss, and longing, “The Night We Met” captures the same type of bittersweet emotions found in “Black Velvet”.
Related: “The Night We Met” Lyrics Meaning
2. “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
“Candle in the Wind” is a tribute to lives cut short by fame, originally honoring Marilyn Monroe and later reimagined for Princess Diana. Much like “Black Velvet”, it mourns the fleeting nature of icons who left an unforgettable legacy.
3. “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn
“Walking in Memphis” echoes “Black Velvet” in its reverence for the cultural roots of American music. The song’s vivid storytelling brings to life the magic of the city that shaped legends like Elvis Presley.
Conclusion
“Black Velvet” is a tribute to Elvis Presley and the transformative power of music. It captures both the magic and melancholy of Presley’s legacy.
Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis fan or discovering “Black Velvet” for the first time, the song serves as a reminder of music’s power to inspire, connect, and endure.
Find “Black Velvet” and more great tunes on the Karaoke Playlist Every Woman Needs!
