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

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The Devil

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The DevilSong Writing

Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.