Questions about the existence of a supreme being still linger among the skeptics, while others rely on their faith and experiences. Disputes, scriptures, scientific facts; however we want to argue about it, it is certain that something is bigger than ourselves. We all call it differently based on our deep-rooted beliefs but Elvis Presley firmly believes in “I Believe in the Man in the Sky.”
Written by Richard Howard and produced by Steve Sholes, the so-called ‘King of Rock and Roll’ released his version of Bill Kenny’s “I Believe in the Man in the Sky” on November 23, 1960. The tune was the sixth track to Presley’s fifth studio album, His Hand in Mine — his first full gospel LP.
The album had a handful of gospel ballads, including “I’m Gonna Walk Dem Golden Stairs” and “In My Father’s House,” that made the album peak at No. 13 on Billboard Hot 200 in 1961. Presley’s greatest songs have leaped him from a pop hitmaker to a gospel singer with “I Believe in the Man in the Sky” with an immense control of vocal delivery and canorous rhythm.
Presley has been known to take influence from Black musicians of his era as someone who grew up with black r&b and gospel choirs in Memphis during the 50s. With his rendition of Kenny’s song, he once again proves that his craft is heavily inspired by Black artists.
Meaning Behind the Song
First recorded in 1953 by Bill Kenny, Elvis Presley’s rendition of “I Believe in the Man in the Sky” is a notable feature of his musical range. Its first verse encapsulates the singer’s belief in God’s existence in heaven and that we should give a higher value to its meaning.
Presley goes on to express his credence and that His help will always help him get by even if he grows tired of daily struggles: “My footsteps may falter, my eyes may grow dim; But He’s my Gibraltar, I’m trusting in Him.” Gibraltar refers to an invisible fortress, referring to God as an all-powerful being.
For You
In the third verse, the singer compares himself to a sparrow, a bird that is sold for two farthings in biblical times, who is unworthy of the Man’s divine. He may be amongst the billions of creatures on Earth, yet God still looks upon him. Presley continuously echoes the words, “Though sparrow is all I may be; On me, he will still keep an eye.” Until the end of his days, he will believe in God.
“I Believe in the Man in the Sky” is a powerful declaration of one’s faith and hope in the Supreme, fully submitting oneself to Him. It suggests that even in the darkest times, there is always a reason to believe.
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Having many heavy hitters covers of the song — including The Statesman Quarters with Hovie Lister (1955), Danny Mirror (1977), and Mike Lorentz (1996) — Presley’s version stood out for his popular charm and striking vocals.
Hold onto your faith while listening to Elvis Presley’s cover of Bill Kenny’s “I Believe in the Man in the Sky.”
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