The Lyric He Scribbled With A Broken Pencil: “Even When My Hands Shake, I Will Lift Praise.”

April 8, 2025

In a dimly lit room, the sound of Elvis Presley’s voice echoed softly from a small radio perched on a battered wooden dresser. Despite the fading light, there was a warm glow in the air, an energy that seemed to dance with the rhythm of his songs. Elvis sat on the edge of his bed, a broken pencil in hand, scribbling down lyrics that poured from his heart like a long-lost melody. It was here, amid the chaos of fame and the pressure that weighed heavily on him, that he wrote the powerful line, “Even when my hands shake, I will lift praise.”

The young Elvis had faced challenges his whole life. Growing up in a poor neighborhood in Tupelo, Mississippi, music was his escape, a language through which he could express his deepest thoughts and feelings. His family struggled, and there were days when hope felt as distant as the stars. But music spoke to him. It was a lifeline. As he grew older, he transformed from a shy boy into a rock ‘n’ roll sensation, captivating crowds with his voice and charisma. Yet, with the bright lights of fame came an overwhelming pressure, leading him to grapple with anxiety and uncertainty.

The night Elvis wrote those words, he had just returned from a concert that left him feeling both exhilarated and drained. He could still hear the cheers of the audience, the way they sang along to every word, their hands raised in joy. But beneath the surface, he often felt trembling doubts. What if he couldn’t meet their expectations? What if his voice faltered? With each shaky breath, he fought against the fear that threatened to silence his passion. In that very moment, he decided that no matter how anxious he felt, he would continue to sing—his music was a form of praise, and he wanted to share the light it brought him with the world.

As he finished writing the lyric, Elvis let out a deep breath, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. The words were a reminder that even in his most vulnerable moments, he had a purpose. Each performance became a testament to his resilience, a declaration of his commitment to music and to those who listened. Through every rise and fall in his career, from the dizzying heights of superstardom to the struggles that followed, that simple line became a mantra for him.

Over the years, Elvis transformed his struggles into songs that resonated with millions. He embraced his imperfections, using them to connect with his audience on a deeper level. His willingness to lift praise, even when faced with adversity, inspired countless fans facing their own battles. His legacy was not just in the records he sold or the movies he starred in, but in the way he touched hearts with his honesty and passion.

Elvis Presley taught the world that it’s okay to feel shaky and unsure. His journey was a powerful reminder that our voices are meant to be heard, even when we doubt ourselves. When he lifted his voice in praise, he lifted others along with him, creating a ripple effect of hope and encouragement. In the end, it wasn’t just about rock ’n’ roll; it was about the power of resilience and the beauty of sharing one’s truth, no matter the tremors in their hands. In that sacred act of creation, Elvis found his peace and gave the world a reason to carry on, just like him.