Introduction
“Make the World Go Away” is a poignant country ballad written by Hank Cochran in 1960. The song expresses a deep yearning to escape life’s burdens and return to a simpler, more loving time. Initially recorded by Ray Price in 1963, it gained widespread acclaim through Eddy Arnold’s 1965 rendition, which reached No. 1 on the country charts and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 .
Elvis Presley recorded his version of “Make the World Go Away” on June 7, 1970, at RCA’s Studio B in Nashville. This track was featured as the closing number on his 1971 album Elvis Country (I’m 10,000 Years Old), showcasing his deep appreciation for country music . The song’s arrangement included contributions from renowned musicians such as James Burton, Chip Young, and Charlie McCoy, with backing vocals from The Jordanaires and The Imperials .
Elvis’s rendition of “Make the World Go Away” is characterized by his heartfelt delivery and the song’s orchestral arrangement, blending elements of country and pop. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and regret, as the narrator pleads for forgiveness and a return to a time when love was uncomplicated. This track remains a testament to Elvis’s versatility and his ability to convey deep emotion through music.