Elvis Presley’s ‘Tomorrow Is A Long Time’: Lyrics, Story & Recording

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was renowned not only for his electrifying performances but also for his ability to interpret songs across various genres. Among his celebrated recordings is the moving ballad “Tomorrow Is A Long Time.” Originally written by folk music icon Bob Dylan, Elvis’s rendition brings a unique depth and emotional resonance to the track, making it a standout in his vast discography. Fans exploring elvis presley the best of elvis presley songs often cite this performance as a prime example of his interpretive genius.

Lyrics: Tomorrow Is A Long Time

Words & Music by Bob Dylan

If today was not an endless highway
If tonight was not an endless trail
If tomorrow wasn’t such a long time
Then lonesome would mean nothing to me at all

Yes and only if my own true love was waiting
If I could hear her heart softly pounding
If only she was lying by me
Then I’d lie in my bed once again

I can’t see my reflection in the water
I can’t speak the sounds that show no pain
I can’t hear the echo of my footsteps
I can’t remember the sound of my own name

Yes and only if my own true love was waiting
If I could hear her heart softly pounding
If only she was lying by me
Then I’d lie in my bed once again

There’s beauty in the silver singing river
There’s beauty in the sunrise in the sky
But none of these and nothing else could match the beauty
That I remember in my true love’s eyes

Yes and only if my own true love was waiting
If I could hear her heart softly pounding
If only she was lying by me
Then I’d lie in my bed once again

If today was not an endless highway
If tonight was not an endless trail
If tomorrow wasn’t such a long time
Then lonesome would mean nothing to me at all

Yes and only if my own true love was waiting
If I could hear her heart softly pounding
If only she was lying by me
Then I’d lie in my bed once again

Recording ‘Tomorrow Is A Long Time’: The 1966 Sessions

Elvis Presley recorded his version of “Tomorrow Is A Long Time” on May 26, 1966, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. This period was particularly fruitful for Elvis, as he was working on material that would form parts of various albums and soundtracks. The track was first officially released on the soundtrack album for his 1966 film Spinout.

The session where this poignant song was captured was part of the broader recording dates for the album How Great Thou Art, which primarily featured gospel music. While most of the songs recorded during these sessions were spiritual, Elvis also laid down several secular tracks.

Album cover for Elvis Presley's How Great Thou Art, featuring the song Tomorrow Is A Long Time

Here’s a look at the songs recorded during the main May 1966 sessions at RCA Studio B:

May 25, 1966 – RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee

• Run On TPA4 0908-07
• How Great Thou Art TPA4 0909-04

May 26, 1966 – RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee

• Stand By Me TPA4 0910-11
• Where No One Stands Alone ____-04
• Down In The Alley TPA4 0912-09
• Tomorrow Is A Long Time TPA4 0913-03
• Love Letters TPA4 0914-09

May 27, 1966 – RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee

• So High TPA4 0915-04
• Farther Along TPA4 0916-03
• By And By TPA4 0917-10
• In The Garden TPA4 0918-03
• Beyond The Reef TPA4 0919-02
• Somebody Bigger Than You And I ____-16
• Without Him TPA4 0921-12

May 28, 1966 – RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee

• If The Lord Wasn’t Walking By My Side TPA4 0922-05
• Where Could I Go But To The Lord? TPA4 0923-02
• Come What May TPA4 0924-08
• Fools Fall In Love TPA4 0925-05

Beyond the May sessions, Elvis continued his recording work in June and July 1966 for various projects, including tracks for the Double Trouble soundtrack. These sessions often involved complex processes of recording instrumentals, vocals, and overdubs.

Here are details from the June/July 1966 sessions mentioned:

June 10, 1966 – RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee

• Indescribably Blue (Track) ____-NA
• I’ll Remember You (Track) ____-NA
• If Every Day Was Like Christmas (Track) MWA5 9102-NA

June 12, 1966 – RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee

• Indescribably Blue (Vocal Overdub) TPA4 0982-02
• I’ll Remember You (Vocal Overdub) TPA4 0983-SP
• If Every Day Was Like Christmas (Vocal Overdub) MWA5 9102-02

June 14, 1966 – MGM Sound Stage, Hollywood, California

• All That I Am (Overdub) ____-NA

Recording Sessions for Double Trouble

From the movie Double Trouble

June 28, 1966 – Radio Recorders, Hollywood, California

• City By Night (Track) ____-03
• Could I Fall In Love ____-06
• There Is So Much World To See (Alternate Master) HRA1 8688-10
• There Is So Much World To See (Remake) ____-01
• Long Legged Girl (Alternate Master) HRA1 8673-06

June 29, 1966 – MGM Sound Stage, Hollywood, California

• Double Trouble ____-04
• Baby If You’ll Give Me All Of Your Love ____-05
• I Love Only One Girl UPA3 3940-02
• It Won’t Be Long UPA3 3942-NA
• Old MacDonald ____-07
• Long Legged Girl (Remake) UPA3 3937-05
• Double Trouble (Ending) ____-NA
• Double Trouble (Composite) UPA3 3934-SP

June 30, 1966 – MGM Sound Stage, Hollywood, California

• City By Night (Vocal Overdub) ____-05
• Could I Fall In Love (Harmony Vocal Overdub) UPA3 3936-05
• Old MacDonald (Vocal Repairs) UPA3 3939-02

July 14, 1966 – MGM Sound Stage, Hollywood, California

• Baby If You’ll Give Me All Of Your Love (Overdub) UPA3 3935-NA
• City By Night (Overdub) UPA3 3938-03

This detailed look at Elvis’s recording schedule in 1966 highlights his prolific output and willingness to explore different musical avenues, ranging from deep ballads like “Tomorrow Is A Long Time” to movie soundtrack numbers. His rendition of the Dylan classic stands as a testament to his unique artistry. For those interested in exploring more of his lesser-known gems, listening to tracks like elvis in my way or elvis for the good times is highly recommended.

Discover More Elvis Music

To experience more of Elvis Presley’s incredible performances, particularly from his early career, consider exploring the “Tupelo’s Own Elvis Presley” DVD.

Cover image for Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD featuring 1950s live performances

This unique release features previously unreleased film footage of Elvis performing live in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1956. It includes performances of iconic songs such as “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” offering a rare glimpse into the energy of his 1950s concerts. Additionally, it features a live performance of “Long Tall Sally” seen for the first time. The DVD also includes interviews with Elvis’s parents and parade footage, providing valuable historical context. It’s an excellent resource for any fan wishing to see Elvis in his prime, rocking and rolling.

Beyond this specific DVD, there’s a vast catalog of Elvis’s work to discover, from his classic recordings to film soundtracks and live performances like elvis presley singing blue hawaii.

In conclusion, Elvis Presley’s recording of “Tomorrow Is A Long Time” is more than just a cover; it’s a powerful interpretation that showcases his vocal prowess and emotional depth. Its inclusion on the Spinout soundtrack and its origin in the diverse 1966 recording sessions further highlight the fascinating complexity of Elvis’s musical career. It remains a cherished track that continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.