The Napkin Elvis Presley Used To Draft The Chorus Of “It Hurts Me.”

April 8, 2025

In the dim light of a small diner in Nashville, Tennessee, a young Elvis Presley sat hunched over a table, the sound of clinking dishes and soft chatter surrounding him. It was the early 1960s, and while he was already gaining traction as a sensational rock and roll star, Elvis was experiencing a creative struggle. He had just been handed a napkin by a waitress, a simple white square folded neatly under a small glass of water. But for Elvis, it was the perfect canvas for his thoughts. With a pencil in hand, he began to scribble down the words that would soon become a part of music history.

The lyrics flowed from his heart, filled with a mix of longing and vulnerability. “It Hurts Me,” he wrote, capturing the essence of heartbreak in a way that felt raw and genuine. Each word seemed to leap off the napkin, a testament to his passion for music and his ability to connect with emotions that many people felt but couldn’t quite express. As he wrote, he could feel the weight of his own experiences as a young man navigating fame, love, and the pitfalls that came along with them. This napkin was more than just paper—it was a vessel for his struggles and triumphs.

After he finished drafting the chorus, Elvis looked at the napkin with a mix of pride and nervousness. He knew how important this song would be, not just for his career, but for his fans, who looked to him for hope and inspiration. He had always believed that music should speak to the heart, and with this song, he aimed to reach deep into the souls of those who listened. The heartfelt lyrics resonated with listeners, making “It Hurts Me” a significant part of his musical repertoire, showcasing his ability to convey pain and yearning with a unique grace.

As Elvis recorded the song, the magic of that diner napkin lingered in the air. The way he poured himself into each note and lyric was a reminder of his resilience. He knew that every artist faces moments of doubt, but it was his passion for music and his determination that allowed him to rise above and create something beautiful. “It Hurts Me” was not just a song; it was proof that even in times of uncertainty, finding your voice through art can lead to profound connections with others.

In the years that followed, Elvis would go on to achieve even greater success, but he always remembered that simple napkin. It became a symbol of his beginnings and the struggles that shaped him as an artist. He learned that music has the incredible power to heal and transform, both for the creator and for those who listen. That small piece of paper, filled with the raw emotion of a young musician finding his way, stood testament to the idea that great art can come from the most unexpected places.

Ultimately, Elvis’s journey with “It Hurts Me” demonstrated that resilience and passion can lead to extraordinary things. It was a reminder that no matter how tough things may seem, the heart’s deepest feelings can create something timeless. As fans continued to sing along to his music, Elvis’s legacy grew, inspiring generations to come. The napkin may have been thrown away long ago, but the emotions it captured would live on forever, reminding us all of the beauty that can arise from pain.