Elvis Presley – Take Good Care of Her – 1974

About The Song

In the realm of rock and roll, Elvis Presley stands as an enduring icon, a figure whose music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His charismatic stage presence, coupled with his soulful vocals, made him a cultural phenomenon, and his songs remain etched in the collective memory of music lovers across generations. Among his vast repertoire of hits, “Take Good Care of Her” stands out as a poignant ballad that showcases Presley’s versatility as an artist and his ability to deliver heartfelt emotions through his music.

Released in 1961, “Take Good Care of Her” marked a departure from Presley’s usual uptempo, rock and roll numbers. Instead, this ballad presented a softer, more introspective side of the artist, as he navigated the complexities of love, loss, and acceptance. The song’s opening lines, “Take good care of her, take good care of her/I suppose I ought to say congratulations,” set the stage for a narrative of heartbreak and surrender. Presley’s voice, imbued with a melancholic tenderness, conveys the protagonist’s resignation to losing the love of his life while simultaneously expressing his genuine concern for her well-being.

The lyrics delve into the depths of the protagonist’s emotional turmoil, as he grapples with the reality of his unrequited love. He acknowledges the pain he has caused, singing, “I know I hurt her, I know I caused her pain/But she’s worth more than all the love I’ll ever gain.” Despite his own heartache, he selflessly places the happiness of his beloved above his own, urging the new love in her life to cherish and protect her.

The chorus of “Take Good Care of Her” serves as a poignant plea, echoing the protagonist’s heartfelt desire for her happiness:

Take good care of her, take good care of her ‘Cause she’s precious to me, more than words can say

The song’s bridge offers a glimmer of hope, as the protagonist finds solace in the knowledge that his beloved has found someone who will love and care for her as he never could. He sings, “I’ll never forget her, but I know she’ll be fine/With someone who’ll love her like I never could in all my time.”

“Take Good Care of Her” concludes with a sense of acceptance and resignation, as the protagonist bids farewell to his lost love. The final lines, “Goodbye, my darling, I’ll never see you again/But I’ll love you always, until the very end,” encapsulate the bittersweet emotions that linger in the wake of a love that could not be.

Elvis Presley’s “Take Good Care of Her” stands as a timeless ballad that transcends the boundaries of genre and era. Its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery capture the universal emotions of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection. The song serves as a testament to Presley’s artistry, showcasing his ability to connect with listeners on a profound emotional level, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music.

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Lyrics

Take good care of her, take good care of her
I suppose I ought to say congratulations
For you won the only girl I ever loved
But I hurt too much to face the situation
Just take good care of her, take good care of her

Just to be around her was my greatest pleasure
She was everything my future held in store
So remember when you take my only treasure
Just take good care of her, take good care of her

I must accept it, she loves you more than me
So with my broken heart I’ll bow out gracefully
Please don’t send me any wedding invitation
For I couldn’t bear to see her there with you
If she’s happy, that will be my consolation
Just take good care of her, take good care of her

Take good care of her, take good care of her