The Lyric “I Only Feel Whole Between Chords” Written During A Thunderstorm.

April 8, 2025

Elvis Presley sat alone in his dimly lit room, staring out at the torrential rain lashing against the window. It was a thunderstorm that mirrored the turmoil he felt inside—an artist struggling between the highs of fame and the lows of loneliness. He listened to the rumble of thunder, feeling a strange kinship with the raw power of nature outside. In that moment, he picked up his guitar, fingers trembling with anticipation, and began to strum a few chords. With each note that flowed from his fingertips, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. “I only feel whole between chords,” he thought, as music became his refuge from the chaos around him.

As the storm raged on, Elvis let the music take him to a place where worries dissolved. He had always found solace in his melodies, as if the strings of his guitar could stitch together the fragments of his soul. This night was no different. The lyrics poured out of him, each line capturing the essence of what it meant to be lost yet found in music. For Elvis, the chords were more than just notes—they were a lifeline, connecting him to himself and his audience. Every strum resonated with the passion he had for his craft, and for a brief moment, the storm outside felt like a distant memory.

The thunder echoed in the background, but all that mattered was the song taking shape in front of him. He thought of the many nights spent practicing in makeshift studios, the years hustling to make a name for himself, and the struggles he faced with fame and its demands. Through it all, music had been a constant companion. It gave him the strength to overcome obstacles, to rekindle his spirit when the weight of expectations felt too heavy. In that stormy room, he understood something profound: the chords were not just sounds; they were pieces of him, uniting to create something beautiful and whole.

With each lyric, Elvis reflected on his journey. He remembered the first time he stepped onto a stage, the exhilaration coursing through him as he sang for an audience. He recalled the feeling of connection—the way music allowed him to communicate emotions that words alone could not capture. As the lightning flashed outside, illuminating his surroundings, he felt empowered. He could share his experiences with millions, inspiring others to find their own light, no matter how stormy life may become.

By the time the storm began to subside, Elvis had crafted a song that resonated deeply with his heart. He knew this melody would become a staple in his performances, a reminder to himself and his fans that even in moments of darkness, light could be found through the power of music. It was more than just entertainment; it was a shared experience that brought people together and healed wounds. As the rain slowed and the thunder faded, Elvis felt renewed, ready to step back into the world with a song in his heart.

That night, the thunderstorm was not just a backdrop for his creativity; it was a catalyst for resilience. The chords he strummed became symbols of his journey—each one representing a moment of struggle transformed into triumph. Elvis Presley emerged from that storm with even more determination to share his gift, proving that no matter how fierce the storm, music would always be his sanctuary, making him feel whole, again and again.