Elvis Presley

Lyrics

[Chorus]
It's now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me, my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow
Will be too late
It's now or never
My love won't wait

[Verse 1]
When I first saw you
With your smile so tender
My heart was captured
My soul surrendered
I spent a lifetime
Waiting for the right time
Now that you're near
The time is here at last

[Chorus]
It's now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me, my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow
Will be too late
It's now or never
My love won't wait
[Verse 2]
Just like a willow
We would cry an ocean
If we lost true love
And sweet devotion
Your lips excite me
Let your arms invite me
For who knows when
We'll meet again this way

[Chorus]
It's now or never
Come hold me tight
Kiss me, my darling
Be mine tonight
Tomorrow
Will be too late
It's now or never
My love won't wait

[Outro]
It's now or never
My love won't wait
It's now or never
My love won't wait
It's now or never
My love won't wait
It's now or never
My love won't wait

Get ready to swoon, because “It’s Now or Never” by Elvis Presley is an iconic love song that has won the hearts of millions worldwide. This unforgettable track is a perfect blend of uptempo melodies and soulful lyrics, earning it the title of Elvis's biggest international single ever. From its epic introduction to its catchy chorus, "It's Now or Never" is the quintessential Elvis song that takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster ride. In this article, we will explore the fascinating backstory behind this iconic tune and divulge why it continues to be a fan-favorite decades after its initial release.

About It’s Now or Never

Released in 1960, “It’s Now or Never” is an unforgettable love ballad recorded by Elvis Presley that continues to be a beloved classic even today. Featuring an iconic introductory guitar riff, the song was recorded at RCA Studio B in Nashville, and it’s known to be one of the best-selling singles of all time. This unique song is written in E major and has a dramatic tempo of 80 BPM. Elvis put his heart and soul into this single and, unsurprisingly, it ended up becoming his most significant international hit ever.

The inspiration for "It's Now or Never" came while Elvis was serving in the army. An operatic song called "O Sole Mio" caught his ear. It's a melodic Italian tune that was later translated into English by Tony Martin in 1949 as "There's No Tomorrow." When Elvis returned from his service, he asked his music team to create a new version of the song. With the help of reputed songwriter Aaron Schroeder, the legendary tune "It's Now or Never" was born.

In 1960, when “It’s Now or Never” was first released, it immediately climbed the charts and enjoyed unprecedented success. The song was number one in both the US and the UK, where it topped the charts for eight weeks. It remained popular across numerous other countries, earning over 25 million copies globally. In 2005, the song was re-released, and it once again managed to claim the top spot in the UK charts. It’s no surprise that “It’s Now or Never” became Presley’s biggest international hit.

Aside from the original studio record, a live version of “It’s Now or Never” featuring the song “O Sole Mio” is available as a part of the Elvis in Concert album from 1977. Sherrill Nielsen, a tenor, sings the operatic piece and beautifully complements Presley’s soulful vocals.

It is said that the song's lyrical theme was inspired by the Italian fable of an imprisoned prince who falls in love with a beautiful woman and must convince her to choose him over the countless suitors who are vying for her attention. The story ends with the prince famously saying, “It’s now or never,” and thus, the inspiration for the song was born.

With its timeless melodies, soulful vocals, and an unforgettable chorus, "It's Now or Never" has earned its place in music history. It’s no wonder that Elvis Presley's fans still adore this song decades after its release. Whether you are a die-hard Elvis fan or a newcomer to the King of Rock and Roll's music, "It's Now or Never" is undoubtedly one of the best songs to come out of that era. Its timeless appeal is a testament to Elvis Presley's status as one of the biggest music icons of all time.

Conclusion

From its beautiful melody to its timeless lyrics, "It's Now or Never" is a song that continues to capture hearts worldwide. It’s a testament to Elvis Presley’s talent, his music genius, and the impact that his artistry had on the world. Decades after its release, it remains an iconic piece of music history, one of the most significant love ballads of the 20th century, and a beautiful tribute to the enduring power of love. If you haven't listened to it yet, we guarantee that you are in for a sweet and romantic treat – Elvis style.

• Release Date: July 5, 1960
• Artist: Elvis Presley