Elvis makes it seem like any song is intimate, and Funny How Time Slips Away reflects this. It is written by a legend of country music, the one-and-only, Willie Nelson! Elvis makes it nostalgic, and rings with a tune of nostalgic longing.
Elvis sounds weary, and feels as though he feels the lyrics in his soul, recounting a time where things weren’t so tiring. He is smooth and reflective, and his gentle instrumentation feels soulful, but also sincere.
Elvis Presley – Funny How Time Slips Away (Lyrics)
The song has since been covered often, but none resound quite like Willie Nelson first did it. The song burns slowly, a ballad about meeting with former lovers. The song has since been taken on by legends like Al Green, Bob Dylan, and George Jones. Perhaps none of them still quite the touch the song like Elvis does, making his version of the song truly unforgettable.
In terms of the lyrics, the song is sad despite its simplistic nature. The nature is that of a casual conversation, and it pervades with the sense of a deep pain, suggesting that life has moved on and times have affected them. Elvis is sad and quiet, he is understated and his voice lingers long after. Elvis Presley’s version of Funny How Time Slips Away shows how he could express deep feelings with just a simple style. But his performance of An American Trilogy proves he could also create big, powerful moments that connect to history.
Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy (Official Audio)
To this day, Funny How Time Slips Away is a testament to Elvis and his ability to make a song his own: Rock n’ roll, gospel, heartfelt ballads; what can Elvis not do?
For more timeless classics, follow Elvis Presley’s official social media pages—because his music, like time itself, never truly slips away.