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Elvis Presley An American Trilogy
On The Acoustic

Welcome to my Elvis Presley An American Trilogy page you'll find the lyrics to this song, a free pdf chords and lyrics sheet along with tutorial demos and a link to purchase full lessons in .mp4 format.

Elvis Presley An American Trilogy
Chords, Lyrics, Demo, Tutorial

An American Trilogy was originally composed by Mickey Newbury using three songs from the 19th century including Dixie, The Battle Hymn Of The Republic and All My Trials.

The song appeared on his Aloha From Hawaii album and peaked at #8 in the UK and #31 in the US.

This number is a powerful and iconic song that he recorded in 1972. It is a medley of three traditional American folk songs arranged by Mickey Newbury: "Dixie," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "All My Trials."

"An American Trilogy" is known for its epic and grandiose arrangement, featuring a sweeping orchestral backing with brass, strings, and choir. The song's lyrics and arrangement create a dramatic and emotional experience, and it is often regarded as one of Elvis Presley's most powerful and moving performances.

The song's lyrics reflect on themes of patriotism, Civil War-era America, and social justice. It combines the nostalgia of the South ("Dixie"), the idealism of the Union ("The Battle Hymn of the Republic"), and the hope for a better future ("All My Trials") into a compelling and emotional musical journey. Elvis Presley's passionate and resonant vocals add depth and intensity to the song, creating a captivating performance that resonates with listeners.

"An American Trilogy" was a highlight of Elvis Presley's live performances, often serving as the closing number of his concerts. It became a signature song for him, and it is considered one of his most iconic and memorable recordings. The song's lyrics and arrangement create a dramatic and emotional experience, and it is often regarded as one of Elvis Presley's most powerful and moving performances.

Elvis Presley first performed "An American Trilogy" during his highly acclaimed engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas in 1972. The song quickly became a fan favorite and a staple in his live performances. It was subsequently included on his album "Aloha from Hawaii Via Satellite," which was a live recording of his historic satellite broadcast concert in 1973, further solidifying its status as one of his signature songs.

The song has been covered by various artists, but Elvis Presley's rendition remains a definitive version that showcases his vocal prowess and ability to convey deep emotions through his music.

Elvis Presley An American Trilogy Lyrics

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

Oh I wish I was in dixie - away away
In dixieland I'll take my stand - to live and die in dixie
For in Dixieland, I was born

Early Lord one frosty morning
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 ----------- will soon be over .. pick

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

Elvis Presley An American Trilogy Chords

Drop D Tuning: No
Capo: No
Rhythm: use downstrokes - then a shuffle pattern - some arpeggio and quick shuffle strumming
Picking: Yes
Chords: C, C7, F, Adim, Am, Dm7, D7, Gsus, G, C/F, E7, Am/G, Gm

Chords & Lyrics

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An American Trilogy Tips

This series of songs starts in C and as you'll see, the first section for Dixie is mainly just downstrokes. As you move into the section for The Battle hymn Of The Republic, the rhythm switches up to more of a shuffle strum to replicate the drumming that takes place.

There is one riff as you transition into the song All My Trials. And at this point the song switches once more to an arpeggio of strings as you play through that section.

That is followed by some picking for The Battle Hymn Of The republic, which in the Elvis performance is with a horn section, making it very powerful as Elvis gets ready to belt out the last part of that song.

"An American Trilogy" remains a cherished and enduring part of Elvis Presley's musical legacy. Its combination of powerful vocals, emotional lyrics, and epic arrangement continue to captivate audiences and make it one of his most memorable and iconic recordings.

Some Elvis Trivia about An American Trilogy

The medley that became "An American Trilogy" was arranged by singer-songwriter Mickey Newbury.
It combines three songs: "Dixie," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and "All My Trials."

Elvis first performed "An American Trilogy" on January 26, 1972, during his "Aloha from Hawaii" concert. The performance was broadcast via satellite and reached a global audience.

Mickey Newbury's arrangement was inspired by a performance of "Dixie" at a civil rights rally. He wanted to symbolize unity and reconciliation by combining these diverse songs.

Elvis' emotional delivery of the song added to its impact. He often referred to "An American Trilogy" as a song that meant a lot to him due to its themes of unity and freedom.

Elvis' rendition of "An American Trilogy" took on additional significance during a time of social and political change in the United States. The medley's themes resonated with the nation's search for unity.

Elvis included "An American Trilogy" in many of his live performances from 1972 onwards. It became a highlight of his shows, showcasing his vocal prowess and emotional connection with the audience.

While "An American Trilogy" was a staple of Elvis' live concerts, he never officially recorded a studio version of the song. Consequently, most widely known versions are from live recordings.

Elvis performed "An American Trilogy" at the White House on December 21, 1970, for President Richard Nixon. The performance was captured on film.

Elvis' rendition of "An American Trilogy" has been described as a musical embodiment of the American experience, symbolizing unity, history, and the nation's complex past.

One of the last times Elvis performed "An American Trilogy" was during his final concert in Indianapolis on June 26, 1977, just two months before his passing.

Thanks for stopping by my Elvis Presley An American Trilogy page and I hope the info here was helpful.

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