The Note Written To Himself After A Rough Performance: “Even Broken Chords Reach Heaven.”

April 8, 2025

The spotlight was bright and blinding as Elvis Presley stepped off the stage, his heart pounding in his chest. Just moments earlier, he had been performing in front of a roaring crowd in Las Vegas, a place that once felt like home to him. But tonight was different. Tonight, his voice had cracked during a high note, and his guitar strings had tangled just when he needed them most. The audience had appreciated his effort, but he could see the disappointment in their eyes, and that hurt more than any physical pain. As he walked backstage, he felt like a ship lost in a storm, battling waves of self-doubt and frustration.

Sitting on a worn-out stool in his dressing room, Elvis took a deep breath and reached for his notebook. It was a simple, spiral-bound journal filled with thoughts, lyrics, and reflections. He often wrote in it after performances, a way to sort through his feelings, celebrate his victories, and make sense of his setbacks. But tonight, the words didn’t flow easily. He stared at the blank page, the weight of disappointment pressing down on him. After a few moments of silence, he wrote, “Even broken chords reach heaven.” It was a phrase that resonated deeply within him, a reminder that even in moments of imperfection, there was a beauty and a message to be found.

In that quiet moment, Elvis began to reflect on his journey. He recalled the countless times he had faced challenges throughout his life—from his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his rise as a rock and roll legend. He remembered the early days when he had performed in small clubs, the sweaty, cramped spaces where he had learned to connect with audiences. Each mistake he made had nudged him closer to greatness, teaching him resilience. “If I can rise from nothing, I can overcome this too,” he thought, strengthening his resolve.

With renewed determination, Elvis reminded himself that music was not just about hitting the right notes; it was about pouring your heart out and connecting with others. He envisioned the people in the audience who looked up to him, who found comfort and joy in his songs. They didn’t love him because he was perfect; they loved him because he was real, flawed, and unafraid to share himself. With every broken chord and missed beat, he painted a more authentic picture of life, one that echoed the struggles and triumphs of everyone who listened.

As he closed his notebook, Elvis felt a surge of hope. The world of music was vast, and he was just a small part of it, always learning and evolving. With this performance behind him, he vowed to come back stronger, to face the next challenge with an open heart and an unwavering spirit. The notes of his journey would not always be harmonious, but every chord, broken or whole, contributed to a greater melody. And just like that, he walked back towards the stage, ready to embrace the next opportunity, stronger and more passionate than ever before. The crowd awaited him, and he was ready to show them that even in imperfection, there was a connection that could reach the heavens.