Elvis Presley – An American Trilogy

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“An American Trilogy” is a medley of three 19th-century songs: “Dixie”, a popular folk song about the southern United States; “All My Trials”, a traditional spiritual; and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, a Union Army marching song from the American Civil War. It was arranged by country composer Mickey Newbury and popularized by Elvis Presley, who included it as a showstopper in his concert routines.

Elvis began singing “An American Trilogy” in concert in January 1972; a live recording made the following month was released as a single by RCA Records. Presley modifies Newbury’s sequence by reprising after “All My Trials” both “Dixie” (in the solo flute) and with a bigger ending on “Battle Hymn”.

The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It won two Grammy Awards in 1973, for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Inspirational Performance.

“An American Trilogy” is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the complex history of the United States. It is a song of both pride and sorrow, of victory and defeat, of hope and despair. It is a song that reminds us that we are all Americans, and that we must work together to build a better future for our country.

Elvis Presley’s performance of “An American Trilogy” is iconic. He sings the song with passion and conviction, and his voice is simply incredible. The song is often used to represent the United States and its history, and it is a powerful reminder of the country’s strengths and weaknesses.

Here is a summary of the three songs that make up “An American Trilogy”:

Dixie: This song was written in 1859 by Daniel Emmett, a northern abolitionist. It quickly became popular in the southern United States, and it was often sung as a pro-slavery anthem. However, the song’s meaning has changed over time, and it is now often seen as a symbol of southern pride and heritage.
All My Trials: This traditional spiritual is about the struggles of life and the hope that comes from faith. It is a song that has been sung by generations of Americans, and it continues to resonate with people today.
The Battle Hymn of the Republic: This song was written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861, at the beginning of the American Civil War. It quickly became a popular marching song for the Union Army, and it is now considered to be one of the most patriotic songs in the United States.
“An American Trilogy” is a truly special song. It is a song that speaks to the heart of what it means to be an American.

Let’s enjoy the song through the video!

For an immersive experience of Elvis Presley’s “An American Trilogy” check out the official video. Let the King’s soulful voice transport you to a realm of musical brilliance.

Here are the lyrics of the song!

Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton
Old times they are not forgotten
Look away, look away, look away, Dixieland

Sing it, fellas.

Oh I wish I was in Dixie, away, away
In Dixieland
I’ll take my stand
To live and die in Dixie

For Dixieland I was born
Early Lord one frosty morn’
Look away, look away, look away, Dixieland

Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
His truth is marching on

So hush, little baby, don’t you cry
You know your daddy’s bound to die
But all my trials, Lord, soon be over

Glory, glory, hallelujah
His truth is marching on
His truth is marching on