Elvis Presley’s Longest Track: The Surprising Bob Dylan Cover That Even Astonished Dylan!

Elvis Presley’s long-standing legacy in music is filled with iconic tracks that have stood the test of time. However, one of his most intriguing and lesser-known gems is a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Tomorrow Is a Long Time.” While the song didn’t achieve the same widespread fame as some of his more commercial hits, it is often considered one of the hidden treasures in his catalog. What makes this cover particularly fascinating is not just Elvis’s powerful rendition, but the story behind it and the surprising effect it had on Dylan himself.

When Elvis first heard Bob Dylan’s song, it struck him deeply. At the time, Presley was known for being a versatile artist who could seamlessly move between genres like rock, blues, and gospel, but he had never before tackled a Dylan song. “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” is a melancholic ballad that speaks of deep longing and the passage of time, themes that resonate with Elvis’s own experiences. The vulnerability expressed in the lyrics seemed to match Presley’s mood during a period of personal and professional reflection.

In fact, it was during a pivotal point in his career, as Elvis was transitioning from his earlier rock ‘n’ roll fame to a more mature sound, that he chose to cover the song. Recorded in 1966 during the sessions for his album How Great Thou Art, this track was far removed from the mainstream hits that defined his career in the 1950s. The song’s somber tone and introspective nature gave Elvis the chance to explore his emotional range and showcase his voice in a way that was unlike anything else he had recorded up to that point.

The recording session itself was relatively straightforward, but the resulting track felt incredibly raw and intimate. Elvis’s voice, stripped of the typical bombastic arrangements that were common for his earlier hits, took center stage. His delivery was slow, deliberate, and aching, a stark contrast to the usual up-tempo hits that often accompanied his image. This was a version of Elvis Presley that listeners hadn’t yet fully encountered, and it surprised many, including Dylan himself.

Bob Dylan, known for his enigmatic personality, was reportedly taken aback when he first heard Presley’s interpretation of his song. According to various reports, Dylan expressed a deep appreciation for the rendition, noting how Elvis’s version of “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” added a layer of depth and emotion that even he hadn’t anticipated. It is rare for an artist of Dylan’s caliber to openly praise another artist’s interpretation of their work, especially considering how closely he guarded his own compositions, making his acknowledgment of Elvis’s cover all the more meaningful.

What made Presley’s rendition so powerful was the way he infused the song with his own life experiences, subtly making it his own. The melancholy of the lyrics seemed to resonate with Elvis, who had long dealt with a mix of public adoration, personal struggles, and the overwhelming pressures of fame. In Presley’s version, the sorrow and yearning in the song were palpable, making it not just a cover but a personal reflection.

Though the track wasn’t officially released until later, it still managed to find its way into the hearts of fans and critics who appreciated Elvis’s willingness to push boundaries. “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” wasn’t a radio hit or a chart-topper like some of his other tracks, but it earned a reputation as a profound and moving piece. It has been described as one of the more hauntingly beautiful moments in Elvis’s discography, often cited by serious music critics as a standout track from his later years.

The legacy of Elvis’s version of “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” continued to grow over the decades, gaining more attention as new generations of listeners discovered it. Many fans who were initially unfamiliar with the deeper, more reflective side of Presley’s music were struck by the emotion and simplicity in the song. For some, it even became a personal favorite, far removed from the glitzy, high-energy hits they associated with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

In terms of impact, the song’s place in Elvis’s catalog is undeniably significant, especially considering how it offers a window into a less commercial, more personal side of the artist. It wasn’t the type of track that would sell millions of copies, but it was the kind of song that would remain beloved by those who truly appreciated the artistry of Elvis Presley.

As time went on, this Bob Dylan cover remained a standout example of the kind of versatility that defined Elvis’s career. It showcased his ability to take a song from a completely different genre and make it his own, all while staying true to the emotional core of the original. Today, it stands as one of the most fascinating pieces in Presley’s vast catalog—a cover that surprised even the man who originally wrote it.