Elvis Presley – Let Yourself Go (1968)

Introduction and Short Summary of the Song

Released in 1968 as part of the soundtrack for the film Speedway, “Let Yourself Go” is one of Elvis Presley’s most vibrant and funky late-1960s tracks. Written by Joy Byers, the song captures a lively, soulful groove that perfectly matched the cultural shift of the era toward more rhythm-driven, danceable pop music. With its driving beat, energetic brass section, and Presley’s confident, almost gritty delivery, the song feels far fresher and more modern than much of his mid-decade soundtrack material. While tied to a lighthearted movie, the song stood out as a strong single in its own right, reaching number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 and enjoying greater success on the Adult Contemporary chart.

Origins of the Song

Speedway, released in June 1968, was a musical comedy film where Presley played Steve Grayson, a race car driver entangled in both financial mishaps and romantic escapades. By this point, Presley’s film career was winding down, and many of his movies were considered formulaic. Still, Speedway featured a few musical highlights, with “Let Yourself Go” among the most dynamic.

Songwriter Joy Byers had already written several songs recorded by Presley, including “It Hurts Me” and “C’mon Everybody.” With “Let Yourself Go,” she delivered a number that tapped into the funkier, more soulful side of Presley’s artistry—something he had not often been given space to explore in his movie soundtracks. Presley recorded the song on June 20, 1967, at MGM’s recording studios in Hollywood.

Why Elvis Released “Let Yourself Go”

RCA chose “Let Yourself Go” as the lead single from the Speedway soundtrack, releasing it in December 1967 to promote the upcoming film. The decision was unusual because it was funkier and edgier than most of his recent soundtrack singles, signaling RCA’s recognition that Presley needed fresher, more contemporary-sounding material to compete in the rapidly changing music scene.

The single peaked at number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 but fared better on the Billboard Easy Listening chart, where it reached number 3. This split performance reflected Presley’s transitional moment: while rock radio was dominated by psychedelic and hard rock acts, Presley still commanded respect among adult audiences who appreciated his vocal charisma.

The Message Conveyed in the Song

The lyrics of “Let Yourself Go” encourage spontaneity, relaxation, and the joy of living in the moment:

“Come on, let yourself go,
Relax and let it happen to you.”

The message is simple but effective: stop holding back, forget your worries, and give in to the excitement of love, life, or even just the rhythm of the music. It carries both a romantic and universal appeal, urging listeners to embrace freedom and passion.

Presley’s delivery enhances this theme. He sings with swagger and command, as though personally urging the audience to let loose and join him. The combination of confidence and playfulness makes the song both persuasive and infectious.

The Recording and Musical Characteristics

“Let Yourself Go” showcases a funk-infused pop-rock sound, with brass and rhythm section driving the performance.

• Vocals: Presley’s vocals are commanding and soulful, pushing toward the grittier edge of his range. He balances smooth phrasing with bursts of power, giving the track a sense of urgency.

• Instrumentation: Prominent horns, electric guitar riffs, organ, bass, and drums create a funky groove. The brass section in particular adds punch and excitement.

• Mood: Energetic, funky, and playful, the track feels like a call to dance and enjoy life.

• Style: A blend of pop, funk, and R&B, the song stands apart from the more lightweight soundtrack numbers of the era.

The arrangement feels modern compared to much of Presley’s 1960s soundtrack material, aligning more closely with the evolving soul and R&B scenes of the time.

Cultural and Commercial Impact

Commercially, “Let Yourself Go” was a modest success in the U.S., peaking at number 71 on the Hot 100. However, its number 3 placement on the Easy Listening chart highlighted Presley’s ongoing appeal to adult audiences. While it did not rival his biggest hits, it stood out as one of the more contemporary-sounding singles from his Hollywood years.

Culturally, the song is significant as an early sign of Presley’s musical reawakening. Though recorded for a formulaic movie, its energy, funk influence, and spirited performance foreshadowed the more dynamic material of his 1968 NBC television special and his 1969 Memphis sessions. Fans and critics often note that “Let Yourself Go” felt like a departure from lightweight film numbers, pointing toward Presley’s return to artistic relevance.

Legacy of “Let Yourself Go”

Today, “Let Yourself Go” is remembered as one of Presley’s most exciting soundtrack singles of the late 1960s. While it may not have topped the charts, it holds a special place in his catalog for showcasing the funkier side of his artistry and hinting at the musical renaissance soon to come.

For fans, it represents a hidden gem: a track that demonstrates Presley’s ability to embrace contemporary sounds and deliver them with charisma. Unlike many of his film songs, which often leaned toward novelty or formula, “Let Yourself Go” feels alive, urgent, and authentic.

More broadly, the song underscores Presley’s versatility. Even within the constraints of a Hollywood project, he was capable of delivering performances that felt modern and relevant, proving that his artistry remained intact despite years of formulaic films.

More than fifty years later, “Let Yourself Go” continues to be celebrated by fans and collectors as a funky, energetic highlight of Presley’s 1960s recordings. It reflects not only the King’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends but also his enduring talent for injecting passion and vitality into every performance.

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