Welcome to my Love Me Tender chords 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.
Love Me Tender is one of Elvis Presley's most iconic and beloved songs. It was based on the Civil War-era ballad "Aura Lee." Elvis's version was written by Ken Darby, with music adapted from "Aura Lee." The lyrics capture a heartfelt and tender expression of love.
The song was released as a single on September 28, 1956, and it became an instant hit. It was also featured in Elvis's film of the same name, which was released shortly after.
"Love Me Tender" marked Elvis's film debut in the movie of the same title, originally titled "The Reno Brothers." The film was a western drama, and the song served as its theme. Due to the success of the song, the film's title was changed to match the song's title.
Elvis recorded "Love Me Tender" on August 24, 1956, at 20th Century Fox Stage One in Hollywood, California. It was recorded in just a few takes, and the simplicity and sincerity of the performance added to its appeal.
Love me tender - love me sweet - never let me go
You have made my life complete - and I love you so
Love me tender - love me true - all my dreams fulfilled
For my darlin' I love you - and I always will
Love me tender - love me long - take me to your heart
For it's there that I belong - and we'll never part
Love me tender - love me true - all my dreams fulfilled
For my darlin' I love you - and I always will
Break
Love me tender - love me dear - tell me you are mine
I'll be yours through all the years - till the end of time
Love me tender - love me true - all my dreams fulfilled
For my darlin' I love you - and I always will
For my darlin' I love you - and I always will
(optional verse)
When at last my dreams come true - darling this I know
Happiness will follow you - everywhere you go
My version of this one is a mix of the traditional way of playing and with a bit of bass added to the rhythm. Traditionally you would play the root note down, bass note down and go back and forth. On the D chord you can add a bit more bass to the progression as you'll see in in demo. I'm also using a drop D tuning, which is optional.
The chords here are D, E7, A7, Gb, Bm, D7, G, Gm, A/Db and B7.
Elvis didn't put any picking breaks in this one but in my version I've put in a melody line picking break, which is always optional.
The arrangement of "Love Me Tender" is characterized by its soft and gentle melody, complemented by Elvis's emotive vocals. The arrangement differs from some of his more upbeat rock 'n' roll hits, reflecting the ballad's sentimental nature.
The song was included on Elvis's second album, also titled "Love Me Tender," which was released in November 1956. The album featured tracks from the film's soundtrack, along with previously released singles.
"Love Me Tender" topped the Billboard charts, becoming Elvis's fifth No. 1 single. Its success on the charts solidified Elvis's status as a pop and rock 'n' roll sensation.
The song's connection to Elvis's film debut and its chart-topping success marked a pivotal moment in his career. It further established his popularity not only as a singer but also as a film star.
"Love Me Tender" became a staple in Elvis's live performances throughout his career. He often included it as part of his setlist during concerts, as it was a fan favorite. The has endured as a romantic classic and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its timeless sentiment has made it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
Elvis's rendition of "Love Me Tender" on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on September 9, 1956, marked his first live television performance after his debut on the show. His appearance was unplanned, as he was initially scheduled to perform a different song. And Elvis's performance of "Love Me Tender" during his third and final appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" took place on January 6, 1957. Coincidentally, this performance occurred on the same day he received his draft notice for military service.
"Love Me Tender" was the first song ever to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart, a feat it achieved in November 1956. This showcased the enormous popularity of both Elvis and the song.