Elvis Presley is a name that resonates across generations. Even though he rose to fame in the 1950s, he is still relevant today. We saw the impact of his biopic in 2022, it grossed $288.7 million worldwide. It’s evident that his influence on music and pop culture is unmatched. Today he is popular as “The King of Rock and Roll”.

Beyond being a legendary performer with 14 Grammy nominations, Elvis was also a talented actor. He starred in 33 successful films and served in the U.S. Army during his career. 

While his groundbreaking music and signature dance moves define his legacy, his words tell what he actually was behind the fame. According to interviews, he seems to have stage fright which contrasts with his larger-than-life image. These nuances of his personality continue to captivate fans. 

We have made a list of  Elvis Presley Quotes and thoughts, shared during interviews and live performances. Below, you'll find some of his most memorable quotes. Have a glimpse into his life and outlook with his quotes. 

Iconic Quotes For Life Lessons And Inspiration By Elvis 

Elvis fans today love him for who he was behind fame. His sayings often convey a sense of optimism, personal philosophy, and a relatable down-to-earth attitude. Elvis Presley's quotes reflect both his iconic status as an entertainer and his wisdom in life. Many of his quotes are seen as timeless and resonate with people across generations. Read and get a positive message in the words of Elvis. 

Short Quotes

Elvis was known for being authentic throughout his life. He was extremely genuine and relatable. Instead of preaching in lengthy sentiments, he kept it short, sincere, and valuable. Check Elvis Presley's short quotes:  

• “When things go wrong, don't go with them.”
• “Animals don't hate, and we're supposed to be better than them.”
• “Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't going away.”
• “Do something worth remembering.”
• “The sad thing is, you can still love someone and be wrong for them.”
• “Values are like fingerprints. Nobody's are the same, but you leave 'em all over everything you do”
• “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine”
• “To judge a man by his weakest link or deed is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave.”
• Somebody does somethin’ stupid, that’s human. They don’t stop when they see it’s wrong, that’s a fool.
• Live each day, as if it were your last. It’s written in the stars, your destiny is cast.
• I don’t feel I’ll live a long life. That’s why I have to get what I can from every day.
• We’re trapped in a world that’s troubled with pain. As long as a man has the strength to dream, he can redeem his soul and fly.
• Tomorrow will be too late, it’s now or never.
• “It's not how much you have that makes people look up to you, it's who you are.”
• “I'm so nervous. I've always been nervous, ever since I was a kid.”

On Being A Performer 

People who had attended describe it as an electrifying and almost surreal experience. They say “You couldn’t take your eyes off of him. He did not lip sync, he had a world-class band and one of the best sound systems on the road. His stage presence has never been equaled”. Here are some quotes that show what it was like for Elvis to be a performer on stage: 

• “A live concert to me is exciting because of all the electricity that is generated in the crowd and on stage. It's my favorite part of the business, live concerts.”
• “I learned how important it is to entertain people and give them a reason to come and watch you play.”
• “I'm trying to keep a level head. You have to be careful out in the world. It's so easy to get turned.”
• “They put me on television. And the whole thing broke loose. It was wild, I tell ya for sure.”
• “I was training to be an electrician. I suppose I got wired the wrong way round somewhere along the line.”
• “Rhythm is something you either have or don't have, but when you have it, you have it all over.”
• I don't know anything about music. In my line, you don't have to. 
• “The first time that I appeared on stage, it scared me to death. I really didn’t know what all the yelling was about. I didn’t realize that my body was moving. It’s a natural thing to me. So to the manager backstage I said, ‘What’d I do? What’d I do?’ And he said “Whatever it is, go back and do it again.”  – From a 1972 taped interview used in MGM’s documentary “Elvis on Tour”
• “I’ve never gotten over what they call stagefright. I go through it every show. I’m pretty concerned, I’m pretty much thinking about the show. I never get completely comfortable with it, and I don’t let the people around me get comfortable with it, in that I remind them that it’s a new crowd out there, it’s a new audience, and they haven’t seen us before. So it’s got to be like the first time we go on.”
• “I lose myself in my singing. Maybe it's my early training singing gospel hymns. I'm limp as a rag, worn out when a show's over.” –Tacoma New Tribune, September 2, 1957

From Interviews 

Almost everyone who met Elvis talked about his charismatic way of existing. In all his interviews, he showed appreciation for blues and gospel black music. According to interview quotes, it’s apparent that he wasn’t racist. Here are some of Elvis’s quotes from interviews: 

• “Rock and roll music, if you like it, if you feel it, you can't help but move to it. That's what happens to me, I can't help it.”
• “Some people tap their feet, some people snap their fingers, and some people sway back and forth. I just sorta do ‘em all together, I guess.” – Elvis in 1956, talking about his way of moving on stage. 
• “People think you’re crazy if you talk about things they don’t understand.”
• “I never expected to be anybody important.”
• “The Lord can give, and the Lord can take away. I might be herding sheep next year.”
• “I ain't no saint, but I've tried never to do anything that would hurt my family or offend God…I figure all any kid needs is hope and the feeling he or she belongs. If I could do or say anything that would give some kid that feeling, I would believe I had contributed something to the world.” – Elvis commenting to a reporter, 1950. 
• “Don’t criticize what you don’t understand, son. You never walked in that man’s shoes.” – Elvis often used this adaptation of a well-known quotation. 
• “If you let your head get too big, it'll break your neck.”
• “When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed has come true a hundred times…I learned very early in life that: ‘Without a song, the day would never end; without a song, a man ain’t got a friend; without a song, the road would never bend – without a song.' So I keep singing a song. Goodnight. Thank you.” – From his acceptance speech for the 1970 Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation Award. Given at a ceremony on January 16, 1971. (Elvis quotes from copyrighted material with lines from the song “Without a Song”.) 
• “We do two shows a night for five weeks. A lotta times we’ll go upstairs and sing until daylight – gospel songs. We grew up with it…It more or less puts your mind at ease. It does mine.”  – Talking about the informal jam sessions he and the band and entourage enjoy each night during the lengthy Vegas engagements. These happen upstairs in Elvis’ suite at the Las Vegas Hilton as they all try to “wind down” from the excitement and energy of the live shows. The quote is from a 1972 taped interview used in MGM’s documentary “Elvis on Tour.” 
• “I’ve never gotten over what they call stagefright. I go through it every show. I’m pretty concerned, I’m pretty much thinking about the show. I never get completely comfortable with it, and I don’t let the people around me get comfortable with it, in that I remind them that it’s a new crowd out there, it’s a new audience, and they haven’t seen us before. So it’s got to be like the first time we go on.” – From a 1972 taped interview used in MGM’s documentary “Elvis on Tour”
• “Man, I was tame compared to what they do now. Are you kidding? I didn’t do anything but just jiggle.” – From the press conference prior to his record-breaking Madison Square Garden shows in New York City, 1972 
• “…the image is one thing and the human being is another…it’s very hard to live up to an image.” – From the press conference prior to his record-breaking Madison Square Garden shows in New York City, 1972 
• “A live concert to me is exciting because of all the electricity that is generated in the crowd and on stage. It’s my favorite part of the business – live concerts.” – Elvis at a press conference prior to his 1973 television special, “Elvis – Aloha from Hawaii, via Satellite” 
• “ ‘Til we meet again, may God bless you. Adios.” –said in 1977 at the end of a concert during his last tour.

What Makes Elvis Quotes So Loved Even Today

In 2024, Forbes listed Elvis among the highest-paid deceased celebrities, with earnings reaching $50 million. This is not the first time he was seen on this list. In fact, he has always been on that list since its beginning in 1988. 

Along with music, fans often look to his sayings for inspiration or to find a sense of connection. Despite the controversy surrounding his title as the “King of Rock and Roll”, he is still an authentic role model for many. There are many criticisms like Cooley's claim that,

“Everything from the way he danced, what he sang, and the way he sang it was taken from someone else’s playbook” 

But here’s how he actually was a great artist. There is a reason why people love him as a performer as well as a human. Here’s why Elvis Presley’s continue to matter:

1. Encouraging a Life Fully Lived

Elvis's words often inspired people to embrace life wholeheartedly. His famous performances, like the iconic “hip swivel,” showcased his boundless energy. He loved entertaining and told people to never shy away from their electrifying presence. His charm and way with words made him a striking personality and unforgettable. Many artists were inspired by him and his music. He became the first true rock star, creating a blueprint for the global appeal artists strive for even today. His music opened doors for future legends. As John Lennon said, “Without Elvis, there would be no Beatles.” 

2. Pioneering Musical Influence

Elvis revolutionized music by blending styles like gospel, blues, and country to create rock ‘n' roll. His remarkable three-octave range allowed him to sing almost any genre with ease. Fans of rock, pop, gospel, and opera came together thanks to his versatility. This made him one of the greatest singers of the 20th century.

His willingness to break boundaries redefined what music could be. Elvis wasn’t afraid to push limits, from his provocative dance moves to his bold performances. Any fan of music and performance knows him as “Mr. Swivel Hips”. His on-screen presence was so daring that early TV appearances couldn’t even film him from the waist down due to censorship.

3. Transforming the Music Industry

People claim that he was racist but that’s wrong. Elvis’s actions helped reshape the music industry. By collaborating with artists like Otis Blackwell and Claude Demetrius, he bridged gaps in a racially divided industry. B.B. King noted that Elvis “opened the door for Black music,” which was pivotal in bringing diverse sounds to mainstream audiences.

While Elvis didn’t create rock ‘n' roll alone, he became its most visible figure. He helped the genre break into the mainstream. His popularity spurred a change in how music was perceived. His words and actions inspired countless artists to follow in his footsteps.

4. A Rebellious Cultural Icon

Elvis’s signature style, from his slicked-back hair to his flashy outfits, symbolized rebellion. His persona challenged societal norms, captivating younger audiences who saw him as a voice for their generation. Dubbed names like “The Hillbilly Cat” and “Elvis the Pelvis,” his influence extended beyond music into fashion and attitude. Aside from fans of rock, fashion fans also find inspiration in his ideas and thoughts.

5. Humility and Authenticity as Character 

People get mad when he gets called “The King”, but what they don’t know is that he rejected the title of “The King”. Due to his stage fright, he pointed to Fats Domino as the true pioneer of rock ‘n' roll. However, his legacy solidified him as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Also, both Donny Osmond and Muhammad Ali described him as a “real humble guy” and “sweetest, most humble and nicest man you'd want to know”. 

Final Words 

All in all, Elvis Presley’s quotes promote a hopeful perspective on life. Although they are in simple words, they hold impact. The simple way of saying makes them easy to apply to everyday life situations. His quotes are diverse, sometimes about love and sometimes about being a performer. 

As Tom Petty reflected, “We shouldn’t make the mistake of writing off a great artist by all the clatter that came later. We should dwell on what he did that was so beautiful and everlasting, which was that great, great music.” Read and get a reflection of his straightforward nature! 

FAQs

1. What did Elvis say about fame?

Elvis found fame stressful and struggled with its pressures. He admitted his life would have been very different without his celebrity status. He even joked that fame kept him out of trouble.

2. What is a famous love quote from Elvis?

“You light my morning sky, with burning love. I'd rather go on hearing your lies than to go on living without you. I don't know anything about music. In my line, you don't have to.”

3. What did The Beatles say about Elvis?

The Beatles admired Elvis for his style, charisma, and music. John Lennon famously said, “Without Elvis, there would be no Beatles.”