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Are You Lonesome Tonight?

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Words & Music: Roy Turk/ Lou Handman

Are you lonesome tonight,
do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a brighter sunny day
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?
Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

I wonder if you're lonesome tonight
You know someone said that the world's a stage
And each must play a part.
Fate had me playing in love you as my sweet heart.
Act one was when we met, I loved you at first glance
You read your line so cleverly and never missed a cue
Then came act two, you seemed to change and you acted strange
And why I'll never know.
Honey, you lied when you said you loved me
And I had no cause to doubt you.
But I'd rather go on hearing your lies
Than go on living without you.
Now the stage is bare and I'm standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you won't come back to me
Then make them bring the curtain down.

Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

Recorded: 1960/04/03, first released on single

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jack409 (profile/ contact) wrote on Oct 19, 2009report abuse

I can't listen to this song without getting emotional because you can tell Elvis is feeling the loneliness that he's singing about. There are other similiar songs Elvis sang throughout his career that makes me feel this way like 'LOVE ME TENDER' and 'WILD IN THE COUNTRY'. Other artists might have one or two songs that take hold of your heartstrings but Elvis' career had many.

bajo (profile/ contact) wrote on Oct 19, 2009report abuse

If ever the word "classic recording" means anything, then this is one occasion to use it! This is among those Elvis recordings I never get tired of hearing!

JLpResLey (profile/ contact) wrote on Oct 19, 2009report abuse

It´s a great song but I never really felt completely satisfied with the studio version, though it´s a very good one. I agree concerning the laughing version, I don´t like listen to it. Two versions I absolutely adore are the one on the comeback special, and the version from Hampton Roads 1972. These are the versions I prefer when I want to listen to this amazing song

old shep (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

A song originally released in 1926 became a multi million seller for Elvis in 1960. In later years Elvis stated that good material for recording was difficult to find.Perhaps if he took the time to listen to some of the forgotten gems like Lonesome Tonight, songs of this caliber could have been re-discoverd for a new generation of Elvis fans.

Pedro Nuno (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

One of the Best Songs os the Rock Era.

mature_elvis_fan75 (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

Anyone wanting proof that he had the best voice ever, just listen, great mood, perfect performance, classic classic classic!

luciano77 (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

I prefere this one 1000times then love me tender. I can't stand it he's live version... !!

Steve V (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

This is one of the all-time classics. The mood he created in the studio was sublime and although some live versions are very good, they dont capture that mood? I'm sick of the laughing version. Once or twice is fine for fun listening, but no more.

2kisses&3scarfs (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

This is my all-time favorite Elvis song. I have so many favorites- but Elvis really pours his heart into this one. It gets to me everytime I hear it. . .

derekd (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

How do you follow up a release like 'Its now or Never' Simple, record a song like 'Are You Lonesome Tonght'. A gem from the early 60's gems. Pure Elvis magic. A double 5* in my book.

FLASHBOY (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

I love every version Elvis did during his lifetime every one of them is special to me. My favorite one is the laughing version cause Elvis was having fun and when he is in that mood it make's me happy. He was more than just an entertainer he was the best in the world as a performer and a human being the absolute best!

Rob Wanders (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

absolutely a Masterpiece. the timing of this song is so extreme good, specially the spoken part. Everything about this song is right, so indeed a Masterpiece.

Natha (profile/ contact) wrote on Feb 23, 2009report abuse

Beyond any doubt a 5 star song. From the very release till the very end it was a fabulous song. It was obvious that the song invited Elvis to fool around with the lyrics later on venting his joy or sadness. One way or another there was this transmission of personal feeling to the fans present. Hence to me it never lost any of its glorious feeling.

JerryNodak (profile/ contact) wrote on Apr 18, 2008report abuse

Even today this song gives me chills. GREAT song!