Behind the Lyrics: Black Velvet by Alannah Myles
“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles is a song about Elvis Presley and his musical influence. The lyrics reference various aspects of his life and music, including his early musical influences, his stage presence, and his untimely death.
Black Velvet makes reference to Jimmy Rodgers, a famous country musician who significantly influenced Elvis’ music style from an early age, and describes how good “Elvis” music was and how it would leave his fans wanting more.
The song also describes how Elvis’ music spreading like a heatwave in Memphis, where he recorded his music, and how he was loved by young female fans.
The song’s writer Christopher Ward says he wrote the line “A new religion that’ll bring ya to your knees” after recognizing the powerful impact of Elvis’ music on his fans. He compared the experience to how churchgoers may feel filled with the Holy Spirit after powerful preaching.
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