My Boy – Elvis Presley

Introduction

“My Boy” emerged as a popular song in the early 1970s, with music composed by Jean-Pierre Bourtayre and Claude François. The lyrics, originally titled “Parce que je t’aime, mon enfant” (Because I Love You My Child), were translated into English by Phil Coulter and Bill Martin.

The song, a sentimental ballad, unfolds as a first-person narrative from a father to his young son, presuming the child is asleep and unaware of the conversation. The father candidly reveals the strained relationship between the child’s parents, expressing that the only remaining solace is the love he has for his son. Rather than risking the loss of this connection through a painful divorce, the father resolves to endure a loveless marriage for the sake of his child.

In 1971, actor Richard Harris performed “My Boy” at a music contest sponsored by Radio Luxembourg. Although he didn’t win the contest, Harris recorded the song and released it as a single later that year. Featured on Harris’ album of the same name, the song achieved moderate success, reaching #41 on the Billboard pop chart and peaking at #13 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart.

Elvis Presley also recorded a cover version of “My Boy” in late 1973, included in his 1974 album “Good Times.” Presley’s rendition climbed to #20 on the Billboard pop chart and #17 on Cash Box. In the UK, where Presley’s career experienced a resurgence, it reached the top 10, peaking at number 5 in the first week of January 1975. Moreover, “My Boy” became a significant adult contemporary hit, claiming the number one spot on both the U.S. and Canadian charts in April 1975. It also secured the 14th position on the Billboard country chart.

Video

Lyrics

You’re sleeping son, I know
But, really, this can’t wait
I wanted to explain
Before it gets too late
For your mother and me
Love has finally died
This is no happy home
But God knows how I’ve tried

Because you’re all I have, my boy
You are my life, my pride, my joy
And if I stay, I stay because of you, my boy

I know it’s hard to understand
Why did we ever start?
We’re more like strangers now
Each acting out a part
I have laughed, I have cried
I have lost every game
Taken all I can take
But I’ll stay just the same

Because you’re all I have, my boy
You are my life, my pride, my joy
And if I stay, I stay because of you, my boy
Sleep on, you haven’t heard a word

Perhaps it’s just as well
Why spoil your little dreams
Why put you through the hell
Life is no fairytale
As one day you will know
But now you’re just a child
I’ll stay here and watch you grow

Because you’re all I have, my boy
You are my life, my pride, my joy
And if I stay, I stay because of you, my boy