Bob Dylan himself once remarked that the version by Elvis Presley of Tomorrow Is A Long Time was the finest cover of any of his songs. Recorded in May 1966 during a session at RCA Studio B in Nashville the performance stands out as one of the most intimate and understated recordings of his career and a quiet piece of evidence that the man behind the movie star was still fiercely connected to his craft.
Introduction And Short Summary Of The Song
Originally written and performed by Bob Dylan in the early 1960s but unreleased on a studio album at the time Tomorrow Is A Long Time had already become a favorite in the folk community. Presley transformed it into a soulful ballad with gospel tinged warmth and heartfelt sincerity. Though it was not issued as a single the track appeared on the 1967 soundtrack album Spinout as a bonus cut. Over the years it has been hailed as one of the greatest interpretations by Presley of the work of another songwriter.
Origins Of The Song
Tomorrow Is A Long Time was written by Bob Dylan around 1962 and first performed live at the Gaslight CafΓ© in New York City. A recording of that live performance eventually appeared on Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits Vol. II in 1971. The song circulated widely among folk artists during the 1960s with early versions recorded by Ian and Sylvia and later by Judy Collins.
Presley first encountered the song through his close friend and guitarist Charlie McCoy who had worked on sessions with Dylan in Nashville. Presley was an admirer of the songwriting of Dylan and decided to record it during his own May 1966 sessions in Nashville. At the time Presley was increasingly drawn to contemporary material outside of the Hollywood soundtrack formula. The song by Dylan provided the perfect opportunity to connect with the rising folk rock movement while also showcasing his depth as an interpreter.
Why Elvis Released Tomorrow Is A Long Time
In 1966 Presley was still largely tied to film contracts and soundtrack obligations which often limited his creative expression. Recording Tomorrow Is A Long Time was a chance for him to break away from the lightweight material that dominated his movie albums. Although the track was recorded during the How Great Thou Art sessions it did not fit the sacred theme of that album. Instead it was included the following year as a bonus track on the Spinout soundtrack LP. While the placement seemed unusual it allowed the song to reach a wider audience and ensured that fans of Presley could hear his take on the ballad by Dylan. The decision to release it reflected his respect for Dylan as a songwriter and his desire to align himself with the more serious musical trends of the 1960s. For Presley the song was not just another cover but an artistic statement.
The Message Conveyed In The Song
The lyrics express longing and isolation. The narrator speaks of the emptiness of life without the presence of a loved one and suggests that time itself becomes unbearable in their absence.
If tomorrow wasn’t such a long time, Then lonesome would mean nothing to you at all.
The interpretation by Presley emphasizes the vulnerability in the lyrics. Where the performance by Dylan was understated and almost conversational the version by Presley turned the same desolate feeling into a soulful and heartfelt plea. It was a ballad about isolation and absence that forced the listener to feel the empty space inside the room.
The Recording And Musical Characteristics
The tempo and mood are slow and contemplative and the performance feels almost like a private moment rather than a studio recording. He stripped away the usual polished orchestration of the era and his phrasing was deliberate and grounded and serious. The minimal instrumentation and his heartfelt delivery give the track a timeless quality. Unlike some of his more orchestrated ballads this recording demonstrates the power of simplicity and hints at the soulful phrasing that would soon define his later return.
The studio cut remains a striking reminder of what he could do when given a quiet melody.
Cultural And Commercial Impact
Although it was not promoted as a single the version by Presley of Tomorrow Is A Long Time gained recognition over time as one of his most moving recordings of the 1960s. When it was included on the Spinout soundtrack it stood out dramatically from the lightweight movie songs surrounding it and earned praise from critics who longed for Presley to tackle more substantial material. The greatest endorsement of the song came from Bob Dylan himself who praised the recording by Presley as the best cover of any of his songs. For Dylan who admired Presley since his teenage years the interpretation validated the emotional power of his songwriting in a completely new style. Over the years the track has been reissued on numerous compilations by Presley and is often highlighted as one of his hidden gems. Fans and critics alike point to it as proof of his artistry during a decade when his potential was often stifled by film commitments.
Legacy Of Tomorrow Is A Long Time
Today Tomorrow Is A Long Time is celebrated as one of the most sincere and artistic recordings of Elvis Presley. It represents the side of Presley that longed to move beyond the constraints of Hollywood and immerse himself in meaningful and contemporary music. The track also stands as an important bridge between Presley and Dylan and two of the most influential figures in twentieth century popular music. The interpretation by Presley introduced the songwriting of Dylan to audiences who might never have encountered it otherwise while the approval of Dylan highlighted the enduring impact of Presley as an interpreter.
For his legacy the song underscores his versatility. While he will always be remembered for the energy of Hound Dog or the passion of Suspicious Minds performances like Tomorrow Is A Long Time reveal his gift for quiet and intimate expression. More than five decades later the recording continues to resonate with listeners. Its simplicity and sincerity and emotional honesty make it one of his most timeless ballads and a testament to his enduring artistry.