Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
Recorded in May 1966 during a session at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Elvis Presley’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” stands out as one of the most intimate and understated recordings of his career. Originally written and performed by Dylan in the early 1960s but unreleased on a studio album at the time, the song had already become a favorite in the folk community. Presley’s version, however, transformed it into a soulful ballad with gospel-tinged warmth and heartfelt sincerity. Though it was not issued as a single, the track appeared on the 1967 soundtrack album Spinout as a bonus cut, and over the years it has been hailed as one of Presley’s greatest interpretations of another songwriter’s work. Bob Dylan himself once remarked that Presley’s recording of “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” was the finest cover of any of his songs.
Origins of the Song
“Tomorrow Is a Long Time” was written by Bob Dylan around 1962 and first performed live at the Gaslight Café in New York City. A recording of that live performance eventually appeared on Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits Vol. II in 1971. The song circulated widely among folk artists during the 1960s, with early versions recorded by Ian and Sylvia and later by Judy Collins.
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Presley first encountered the song through his close friend and guitarist Charlie McCoy, who had worked on sessions with Dylan in Nashville. Presley, an admirer of Dylan’s songwriting, decided to record it during his own May 1966 sessions in Nashville. At the time, Presley was increasingly drawn to contemporary material outside of the Hollywood soundtrack formula, and Dylan’s song provided the perfect opportunity to connect with the rising folk-rock movement while also showcasing Presley’s depth as an interpreter.
Why Elvis Released “Tomorrow Is a Long Time”
In 1966, Presley was still largely tied to film contracts and soundtrack obligations, which often limited his creative expression. Recording “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” was a chance for him to break away from the lightweight material that dominated his movie albums.
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Although the track was recorded during the How Great Thou Art sessions, it did not fit the sacred theme of that album. Instead, it was included the following year as a bonus track on the Spinout soundtrack LP. While the placement seemed unusual, it allowed the song to reach a wider audience and ensured that Presley’s fans could hear his take on Dylan’s ballad.
The decision to release it reflected Presley’s respect for Dylan as a songwriter and his desire to align himself with the more serious musical trends of the 1960s. For Presley, the song was not just another cover but an artistic statement.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The lyrics of “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” express longing and isolation. The narrator speaks of the emptiness of life without the presence of a loved one, suggesting that time itself becomes unbearable in their absence:
“If tomorrow wasn’t such a long time,
Then lonesome would mean nothing to you at all.”
Presley’s interpretation emphasizes the vulnerability in the lyrics. Where Dylan’s performance was understated and almost conversational, Presley turns the song into a soulful meditation on longing. His delivery communicates both the pain of separation and the hope of reunion, creating an emotional depth that resonated with listeners far beyond the folk scene.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Presley recorded “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” on May 26, 1966, at RCA Studio B in Nashville with a stripped-down arrangement.
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Vocals: Presley’s voice is gentle, warm, and filled with emotion. He avoids theatrics, focusing instead on sincerity and nuance.
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Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar provides the primary accompaniment, supported by light bass and subtle percussion. The arrangement is deliberately sparse, keeping the focus on Presley’s vocals.
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Tempo and mood: Slow and contemplative, the performance feels almost like a private moment rather than a studio recording.
The minimal instrumentation and Presley’s heartfelt delivery give the track a timeless quality. Unlike some of his more orchestrated ballads, this recording demonstrates the power of simplicity.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Although it was not promoted as a single, Presley’s version of “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” gained recognition over time as one of his most moving recordings of the 1960s. When it was included on the Spinout soundtrack, it stood out dramatically from the lightweight movie songs surrounding it, earning praise from critics who longed for Presley to tackle more substantial material.
The song’s greatest endorsement came from Bob Dylan himself, who praised Presley’s recording as the best cover of any of his songs. For Dylan, who admired Presley since his teenage years, the interpretation validated the emotional power of his songwriting in a completely new style.
Over the years, the track has been reissued on numerous Presley compilations, often highlighted as one of his hidden gems. Fans and critics alike point to it as proof of Presley’s artistry during a decade when his potential was often stifled by film commitments.
Legacy of “Tomorrow Is a Long Time”
Today, “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” is celebrated as one of Elvis Presley’s most sincere and artistic recordings. It represents the side of Presley that longed to move beyond the constraints of Hollywood and immerse himself in meaningful, contemporary music.
The track also stands as an important bridge between Presley and Dylan, two of the most influential figures in 20th-century popular music. Presley’s interpretation introduced Dylan’s songwriting to audiences who might never have encountered it otherwise, while Dylan’s approval highlighted Presley’s enduring impact as an interpreter.
For Presley’s legacy, the song underscores his versatility. While he will always be remembered for the energy of “Hound Dog” or the passion of “Suspicious Minds,” performances like “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” reveal his gift for quiet, intimate expression.
More than five decades later, the recording continues to resonate with listeners. Its simplicity, sincerity, and emotional honesty make it one of Presley’s most timeless ballads and a testament to his enduring artistry.