About the song
Elvis Presley – Big Love, Big Heartache (1964) is a lesser-known yet beautifully poignant ballad performed by the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. This song was featured in the 1964 motion picture Roustabout, in which Presley plays a drifter who becomes a carnival singer. Written by Winfield Scott and Dolores Fuller, the song showcases Elvis’s versatile vocal range, moving away from his usual rock-and-roll style to a more tender and melodious expression of heartbreak and longing.
With its heartfelt lyrics and gentle musical arrangement, Big Love, Big Heartache narrates the emotional highs and lows that come with deep, passionate love. Elvis masterfully conveys the pain of a love that once felt immense and overwhelming but later diminished into sorrow, leaving the listener captivated by his raw emotion.
Although Big Love, Big Heartache is not one of Elvis’s chart-topping hits, it still holds a special place in his extensive discography. It did not make a strong impact on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which at the time was dominated by other tracks from Roustabout like the title song, or other popular hits from Presley’s earlier years. In fact, the Roustabout soundtrack itself achieved significant success, reaching #1 on the Billboard album charts, making it a rare feat for an album associated with a movie.
The song did not earn any Grammy Awards or nominations, as it was overshadowed by more prominent Elvis hits from the era. However, it remains a wonderful example of his ability to bring storytelling and passion to every performance. For any devoted fan of Elvis Presley, this melancholic tune is a gem worth rediscovering, both for its beautifully simple lyrics and the emotional resonance it carries. Despite not achieving massive commercial acclaim, Big Love, Big Heartache (1964) continues to showcase the incredible diversity of Elvis’s artistry and his ability to deliver heartfelt performances.
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