Elvis at the Wheel

Album: Sparks of Ancient Light (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Al told his audience that the song is based on a weird time in the life of Elvis during the '60s rock revolution. The cloud incident that the song relates is true. It led Elvis to an intense religious experience and to his serious contemplation of becoming a Christian monk - an idea which perturbed his "entourage." Al, in fact, read of it in Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Robert - Long Beach, CA
  • The lyrics relay how Elvis once saw a vision of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in the clouds during a drive through Arizona:

    He's looking up
    The sky has something to reveal

    It is the face of Joseph Stalin
    That is formed by drifting clouds
  • A music video, directed by Bruce D. Northey, was filmed in Arizona in 2013. It closely follows the story presented in the lyrics, with Stewart visiting an independent bookstore and reading the story of Elvis's vision in Careless Love.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.