Love Me Tender chords
by Elvis Presley- Love Me Tender is an adaptation of the Civil War Song Aura Lee - published in 1861 with music by George R. Poulton and lyrics by W. W. Fosdick. The adaptation was written by Ken Darby, an American composer, vocal arranger, lyricist, and conductor - credited to his wife, Vera Matson and Elvis Presley.
- Recorded: Aug 24, 1956
- Released: Sept 28, 1956
- Genre: Pop, Ballad
- Music: Key of D Major in 4/4 time at ~ 74 bpm
- Chords: D, D/A, E7, F#7, G, Gm, A7, Bm, B7, C
Chart Legend
Numbered Circles: Fingers used to play chords O: Optional Note
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings R: Root Note
Unmarked strings: Play open X: Don't play string B: Bass Note
Barre Line: One finger holds down multiple strings R: Root Note
Unmarked strings: Play open X: Don't play string B: Bass Note
Love Me Tender
Song Key is highlighted - Transpose to any other key
D D A D
Intro: 4/4 ‖ Bass Chord Bass Chord ‖
Reads: Note Note
D E7 A7 D
1. Love me ten-der Love me sweet Nev-er let me go
D E7 A7 D
You have made my life com-plete And I love you so
D F#7 Bm D7 G Gm D
Chorus: Love me ten-der Love me true All my dreams ful-fill
D B7 E7 A7 D
For my darl-in' I love you And I al-ways will
D E7 A7 D
2. Love me ten-der Love me long Take me to your heart
D E7 A7 D
For it's there that I be-long And we'll nev-er part
D F#7 Bm D7 G Gm D
Chorus: Love me ten-der Love me true All my dreams ful-fill
D B7 E7 A7 D
For my darl-in' I love you And I al-ways will
D E7 A7 D
3. Love me ten-der Love me dear Tell me you are mine
D E7 A7 D
I'll be yours through all the years Till the end of time
D F#7 Bm D7 G Gm D
Chorus: Love me ten-der Love me true All my dreams ful-fill
D B7 E7 A7 D
For my darl-in' I love you And I al-ways will Song Facts
- The song was adapted from the Civil War song "Aura Lea". The melody was written by George R. Poulton and the lyrics were written by W. W. Fosdick. It was first published in 1861 and became popular with college glee clubs and barbershop quartets.
- The new lyrics for "Love Me Tender" were written by Ken Darby, the music director for the movie "Love Me Tender". He also adapted the melody to fit the style of the movie, which was set during the Civil War.
- Elvis recorded "Love Me Tender" on August 24, 1956, on the same day that he recorded "Heartbreak Hotel". The two songs were released as a double A-side single and reached number one on the Billboard charts.
- "Love Me Tender" won the Grammy Award for Best Original Song in 1957. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, but lost to "Three Coins in the Fountain".
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Brenda Lee, Roy Orbison, and Dolly Parton. It has also been used in several movies and television shows, including "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Simpsons".
- "Love Me Tender" is considered to be one of Elvis Presley's signature songs. It is a classic love ballad that has stood the test of time.
- The song was originally titled "Wedding Bells".
- Elvis was not the first choice to sing the song. The original choice was Frank Sinatra, but he turned it down.
- The song was released in two versions: one with a full orchestra and one with a smaller backing band.
- The song was a huge commercial success, selling over 1 million copies in the first week of its release.
- "Love Me Tender" is one of the most covered songs of all time. There have been over 500 recorded versions of the song.
- Official Website: elvisthemusic.com
