Introduction
Dark Moon is a song that Elvis Presley recorded in 1971, but it was not originally written for him. The track was first composed by Ned Miller and released as a single by the country singer in 1957, where it became a moderate hit on the Billboard charts. It’s a haunting, melancholic ballad, known for its ethereal quality and somber tone.
Elvis Presley’s version of Dark Moon was recorded during his sessions at the American Sound Studio in Memphis, Tennessee, a period during which he was working on his American Sound Sessions albums, particularly Elvis’ Back in Memphis. This period marked a significant shift in Elvis’ music, as he moved away from the more commercial pop hits of the late 1960s and began to embrace more complex and introspective material.
While Dark Moon was never released as a single by Elvis, it was included on his 1971 album Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (a mix of both live recordings and studio material). His rendition of the song features his distinctive voice, which effortlessly conveys the emotional depth of the lyrics. The song reflects themes of loneliness, yearning, and the inability to escape inner turmoil, with the “dark moon” symbolizing the singer’s melancholy mood and isolation.
Elvis’ version of Dark Moon is remembered by many for its haunting, emotional delivery, showcasing his ability to transcend genre boundaries and inject sincerity into every performance. While not one of his biggest hits, it has become a beloved track among fans, often appreciated for its haunting melody and introspective lyricism.