Our branch member and friend, Helen Barrie, who is very well known by Elvis fans everywhere, spends a lot of her time writing poetry. She has had several published and, if not in Memphis herself for the anniversary, someone will put a teddy and one of her poems on Elvis' grave. She asked if we would put this on our website and we are happy to oblige.Elvis: His LifeAs Seen Through The Eyes Of A FanA young boy from Tupelo
went to the Mississippi fairground show
and sang ‘Old Shep’.
The world did not yet know
that there was an explosion about to blow
in the form of a man named Elvis.
When he sang he shook his pelvis
the young went wild
I was then just a child.
The older generation did not understand
how this man
could affect us with his music and presence.
When he went in the army
we thought we’d go barmy
without his voice to hear
it was the worst of our fear.
His mother died and he did cry
he’d lost his friend
and thought that was the end.
But the fans’ love for him made him carry on.
He wowed them in Hollywood,
the films were mostly full of fun,
just what we needed when we were young.
Cinemas were packed out then, each film made a mint
because he was so energetic and different.
Never before had anyone made such an impact on the screen,
with such wild ways, charm and good looks
he certainly got us all hooked.
In ’67 Elvis married his girl Priscilla,
he met her in Germany while in the army.
We were happy for him as she wore his ring,
a handsome couple they did make
as their vows they did take.
In ’68 a baby was born called Lisa Marie,
Elvis was as happy as could be.
Also, in December was a show to remember
for the ’68 Special he dressed in black
Elvis was indeed back!
How the women did scream, Elvis in black leather
Wow!, what a scene
he certainly was a dream machine
1970 saw the M.G.M. rehearsals for the documentary
‘That’s The Way It Is’ being filmed.
There were lots of songs and laughter and the fans chatter.
When he sang ‘The Next Step Is Love’, ‘Sweet Caroline’
‘Suspicious Minds’ and ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’
he sent my pulses reeling
‘Tiger Man’ king of the jungle he certainly was on stage,
He captivated the audience, men, women and children
no matter what their age.
With colourful shirts, and gorgeous white suits
how handsome he did look.
1972 ‘Elvis On Tour’ was filmed
it showed the very best of him.
As he got older his voice was more deeper and powerful
with songs like a ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’
and ‘How Great Thou Art’
Made his performance from other singers worlds apart.
In 1973 he set the world alight
and did a memorable concert, the first by satellite.
Hawaii was the place, it was his favourite state
he gave me ‘Fever’ when he sang ‘Big Hunk of Love’
and ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love with You’
How that song is very true.
During the 70’s concerts and Vegas years
there was much laughter and some tears.
His singing and moves made all the women
fall frantically in love with him.
His presence on stage
will never disappear with age.
A divorce was soon on the way
and he sang ‘Separate Ways’.
For a while he was very sad
thinking about ‘For The Good Times’ he’d had.
Elvis was a very kind man, the gifts he gave away
with no thought of being repaid
is known the world over.
The charities he helped in his hometown of Memphis
is still being carried on today
by an army of devoted fans.
The cars and houses given to friends and strangers
put a smile on his face
he gave people hope where there was sadness and poverty.
His was definitely a ‘Rags To Riches’ story
in all its glory.
He entered my heart and touched my soul
he was the King of Rock and Roll.
Dead at 42 years
that news was the worst of our fears
how we did shed those tears.
All over the world the fans did pray
as the good Lord took him away.
Now 20 years has past,
How time goes so fast!
But never a day goes by without thinking of him.
He’ll be ‘Always on My Mind’ till the end of time.
Helen Barrie - 1997
