Meaning and Lyrics of Black Velvet by Alannah Myles

Song Lyrics meaning of Black Velvet by Alannah Myles

About Alannah Myles

Alannah Myles is a Canadian singer-songwriter who burst onto the music scene in the late 1980s with her powerful voice and bluesy rock sound. Born on December 25, 1958, in Toronto, Ontario, Myles began her musical journey at a young age, performing in local clubs and honing her craft.

Her self-titled debut album, released in 1989, catapulted her to international stardom. The album’s standout track, “Black Velvet,” became a global hit, topping charts in several countries and earning Myles a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1991.

“Black Velvet,” a sultry tribute to Elvis Presley, showcased Myles’ smoky vocals and established her as a formidable presence in the rock world. The song’s success, however, proved to be a double-edged sword, as Myles struggled to replicate its commercial impact in subsequent releases.

Throughout her career, Myles has released several albums, including “Rockinghorse” (1992) and “A-lan-nah” (1995), exploring various musical styles while maintaining her distinctive voice. Despite facing challenges in the ever-changing music industry, Myles has continued to perform and release music, earning a devoted fanbase and cementing her place in Canadian rock history.

Meaning of Black Velvet by Alannah Myles

“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles is a song that paints a vivid picture of nostalgia and admiration for an alluring figure, hinted at being Elvis Presley. The song’s lyrics take us on a journey through the South, specifically Mississippi and Memphis, evoking a sense of a bygone era filled with music, passion, and desire.

The opening lines set the scene in Mississippi during a dry spell, with Jimmie Rodgers’ music playing in the background. The imagery of Mama dancing with her baby under the setting sun creates a warm and intimate atmosphere, drawing the listeners into a world of simplicity and joy.

The pre-chorus reveals the captivating presence of this mysterious figure, the “little boy,” who possesses a mesmerizing voice and magnetic presence that leaves everyone yearning for more. There’s an element of seduction and allure in the description, hinting at the power of music to captivate and enthrall.

The chorus beautifully describes this enigmatic figure, wrapped in black velvet, with a smile that embodies the essence of Southern charm and charisma. The reference to black velvet as a symbol of sophistication and allure reinforces the image of this individual as a captivating and almost mythical figure.

As the song progresses, it delves into the impact this figure has on those around him, especially in Memphis where the music ignites like a heatwave, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The mention of “Love Me Tender” adds another layer of connection to Elvis Presley, known for his iconic ballads and emotional performances.

The bridge conveys the fleeting nature of fame and stardom, highlighting the transience of such allure and beauty. The guitar solo adds an emotional depth to the song, capturing the essence of longing and admiration for this enigmatic figure.

The repetition of the chorus in the outro reinforces the mystique surrounding the “little boy,” inviting the listener to be mesmerized by his charm and presence. The final plea of “If you please” echoes the desire to bask in the enchanting aura of this figure, emphasizing the lasting impact he has on those who are drawn to him.

Overall, “Black Velvet” is a homage to a legendary figure whose charisma, talent, and Southern style captivated the hearts of many, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire awe and admiration.

Lyrics of Black Velvet by Alannah Myles

Intro: Whispered
?

Verse 1
Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell
Jimmie Rodgers on the Victrola up high
Mama's dancin' with baby on her shoulder
The sun is settin' like molasses in the sky

Pre-Chorus
The boy could sing, knew how to move, everything
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for

Chorus
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please

Verse 2
Up in Memphis, the music's like a heatwave
White lightning, bound to drive you wild
Mama's baby's in the heart of every schoolgirl
"Love Me Tender" leaves 'em cryin' in the aisle

Pre-Chorus
The way he moved, it was a sin, so sweet and true
Always wanting more, he'd leave you longing for

Chorus
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please

Bridge
Every word of every song that he sang was for you
In a flash, he was gone, it happened so soon
What could you do?

Guitar Solo

Chorus
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with that slow southern style
A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you please

Outro
If you please
If you please
If you please

Discography Alannah Myles

Black Velvet

Release: 2018-04-20
Label: Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group
Popularity: 👏
1. Black Velvet
2. Lover of Mine
3. Just One Kiss
4. Kick Start My Heart
5. Our World Our Times
6. Love Is
7. Rock This Joint
8. Song Instead of a Kiss
9. Hurry Make Love
10. Still Got This Thing
11. Who Loves You
12. Blow Wind Blow
13. Livin’ On a Memory
14. Love In the Big Town
15. Rockinghorse
16. Tumbleweed
17. Dark Side of Me
18. Do You Really Want to Know Me
19. Everybody’s Breakin’ Up
20. Family Secret
21. Mother Nature
22. Irish Rain
23. Keeper of My Heart
24. Sonny Say You Will
Tracklist Collapse

85 BPM

Release: 2015-05-29
Label: Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group
1. 85 BPM Leave It Alone
2. Give Me Love
3. Black Velvet
4. Prime of My Life
5. Can’t Stand the Rain
6. Anywhere but Home
7. Only Wings
8. Comment Ca Va
9. Faces in the Crowd
10. What Is Love
11. I Love You
12. Trouble Acoustic
13. Black Velvet France
14. Black Velvet Terry Brown
15. Trouble With Crickets
Tracklist Collapse

Alannah

Release: 1995-09-05
Label: Atlantic Records
1. Mistress of Erzulie
2. Blow Wind Blow
3. Family Secret
4. Mother Nature
5. Irish Rain
6. Dark Side of Me
7. Simple Man’s Dream
8. Lightning in a Bottle
9. Keeper of My Heart
10. Do You Really Want to Know Me
11. Everybody’s Breaking Up
12. Sally, Go ‘Round the Roses
Tracklist Collapse
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Black Velvet

Release: 2018-04-20
Label: Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group
Popularity: 👏
1. Black Velvet
2. Lover of Mine
3. Just One Kiss
4. Kick Start My Heart
5. Our World Our Times
6. Love Is
7. Rock This Joint
8. Song Instead of a Kiss
9. Hurry Make Love
10. Still Got This Thing
11. Who Loves You
12. Blow Wind Blow
13. Livin’ On a Memory
14. Love In the Big Town
15. Rockinghorse
16. Tumbleweed
17. Dark Side of Me
18. Do You Really Want to Know Me
19. Everybody’s Breakin’ Up
20. Family Secret
21. Mother Nature
22. Irish Rain
23. Keeper of My Heart
24. Sonny Say You Will
Tracklist Collapse

85 BPM

Release: 2015-05-29
Label: Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group
l
1. 85 BPM Leave It Alone
2. Give Me Love
3. Black Velvet
4. Prime of My Life
5. Can’t Stand the Rain
6. Anywhere but Home
7. Only Wings
8. Comment Ca Va
9. Faces in the Crowd
10. What Is Love
11. I Love You
12. Trouble Acoustic
13. Black Velvet France
14. Black Velvet Terry Brown
15. Trouble With Crickets
Tracklist Collapse

Alannah

Release: 1995-09-05
Label: Atlantic Records
l
1. Mistress of Erzulie
2. Blow Wind Blow
3. Family Secret
4. Mother Nature
5. Irish Rain
6. Dark Side of Me
7. Simple Man’s Dream
8. Lightning in a Bottle
9. Keeper of My Heart
10. Do You Really Want to Know Me
11. Everybody’s Breaking Up
12. Sally, Go ‘Round the Roses
Tracklist Collapse
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