A Lonely Life Ends on Elvis Presley Blvd

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

'A Lonely Life Ends on Elvis Presley Blvd' these words are from a newspaper headline in August 1977 (commented by midnight in the Elvis Then & Now thread).

IMO the comment is valid given what we have heard from those around him. Do you think that this was always the case?

what do you think were the causes of this loneliness?

Was the dependence of medication the problem?

Was it the divorce?

Or do you think he was tickety-boo?

What are your thoughts........

[cameron]

I think I resented this headline. Always wondered just who ever took the time to find out anything about the man in the first place .

Was he lonely? Yes, I think he was. But, his loneliness was always there from the beginning, IMO. Many reasons ,even in his childhood.

Do I assume I really know? No, of course not since I never knew him personally.

[utmom2008]

I think I resented this headline. Always wondered just who ever took the time to find out anything about the man in the first place .


I think that's the last Elvis item that I have bought. I found an original from 08/17/1977 for sale on Ebay. IMO.....of all the "BIG" headlines that papers used that morning from all over the world, this one was the most touching to me. I felt like it spoke volumes.:blush::blink::blush:

[cameron]

I think that's the last Elvis item that I have bought. I found an original from 08/17/1977 for sale on Ebay. IMO.....of all the "BIG" headlines that papers used that morning from all over the world, this one was the most touching to me. I felt like it spoke volumes.:blush::blink::blush:

Of course it was sad and touching,I agree.
I still couldn't help but wonder why no one paid much attention to his sadness before this. And, did the newspapers ever wonder if they had a part in the "sadness?" Many were "the fat and 40" jokes and bad reviews, .

Can't help it. I feel compassion for Britney Spears too or anyone that has to live their life in the public eye. They can be heartless. I never thought I'd like that kind of job. Too cruel. :'( I think medicine was the best choice for me.

[Pelvis]

In the 1977 concert...Elvis says ..when he starts singing "are you lonesome tonight"..he says.."i was..and i am"...so he answered that question him self

[Diane]

Something was always missing for him in the relationships he had around him I think and I think that can be a common thing for a lot of people. Really, I don't think anyone actually understood him or knew him down deep inside.

In their defense, I think he was a very complex person but I wish someone had dug a little deeper while he was still around.

Diane

[utmom2008]

I still couldn't help but wonder why no one paid much attention to his sadness before this. And, did the newspapers ever wonder if they had a part in the "sadness?" Many were "the fat and 40" jokes and bad reviews

Yes..I understand what you mean.:blush: I always found it interesting that it was his hometown paper that led with such a touching headline. Makes you feel like maybe they were on to something before the rest of us were.:blush::blush::blink::blush:



Something was always missing for him in the relationships he had around him.Really, I don't think anyone actually understood him or knew him down deep inside.

In their defense, I think he was a very complex person but I wish someone had dug a little deeper while he was still around.
Great post Diane.....I totally agree with you.:blush::blush::blink:

[Tommy]

I suppose we will never know why he was so lonely, I think it was because Priscilla was no longer with him and he missed Lisa. He never quite seemed the same after Priscilla left.

Anyway something always haunted him to bad he couldn't seem to figure out just what it was.:hmm:

I still think it was Priscilla not being with him.

[Pelvis]

I suppose we will never know why he was so lonely, I think it was because Priscilla was no longer with him and he missed Lisa. He never quite seemed the same after Priscilla left.

Anyway something always haunted him to bad he couldn't seem to figure out just what it was.:hmm:

I still think it was Priscilla not being with him.

I agree!!

eventho some people here seem to think they know it all just cos they saw him live lol

[Tommy]

I agree!!

eventho some people here seem to think they know it all just cos they saw him live lol

Seeing Elvis live is a wonderful addition, but can't help anyone to have known him. Sometimes it's hard just to figure out your closest of friends.

[Pelvis]

Seeing Elvis live is a wonderful addition, but can't help anyone to have known him.

YEh i do admire that,i was born a year after his death,so i never saw him live,it must have been amazing to reallly have seen Elvis...


But the only people that really knew Elvis ,are his family and close friends,we Elvis fans don't know him personally,eventho so many claim they know..

I think it is obvious Elvis was not the same after Cilla left him..

[Tommy]

YEh i do admire that,i was born a year after his death,so i never saw him live,it must have been amazing to reallly have seen Elvis...


But the only people that really knew Elvis ,are his family and close friends,we Elvis fans don't know him personally,eventho so many claim they know..

I think it is obvious Elvis was not the same after Cilla left him..

Yes, it's a real shame Priscilla couldn't find a way to stay. We won't really ever know the whole reason for his loneliness though. I just except, what is....is, and so be it. I have no deep desires about trying to figure out something impossible just coming from a fan such as I.

[utmom2008]

I agree!!

eventho some people here seem to think they know it all just cos they saw him live lol

There is only a tiny handfull here that ever saw Elvis in person, so I'm not sure which one of us that comment was directed towards. The few of us that did see him have never said that gave us any insight as to why he was a lonely man. We have based our assumptions on a lifetime of reading everything we could get our hands on. I will say with 100% conviction that you can not imagine what his actual charisma was like if you didn't get to see him...and those that did will tell you the same thing. It's a real shame, but comments such as yours is what keeps us from telling more about what he was like in person. I think there are lots of fans here at TCB that enjoy our stories of the good ole days....but things like this make us hesitant to talk, and in return the ones that are curious end up losing out.:blink::blink:

[Diane]

Those of us who were lucky enough to see him perform in person saw not only his wonderful stage personality but he did let us catch quite a few glimpses of his personal side as he was very natural and unaffected so gave us that little edge in what he was like in private but.....no way could we say we knew the real Elvis from that contact and I don't know anyone here who said they did.

Diane

[Pelvis]

There is only a tiny handfull here that ever saw Elvis in person, so I'm not sure which one of us that comment was directed towards. The few of us that did see him have never said that gave us any insight as to why he was a lonely man. We have based our assumptions on a lifetime of reading everything we could get our hands on. I will say with 100% conviction that you can not imagine what his actual charisma was like if you didn't get to see him...and those that did will tell you the same thing. It's a real shame, but comments such as yours is what keeps us from telling more about what he was like in person. I think there are lots of fans here at TCB that enjoy our stories of the good ole days....but things like this make us hesitant to talk, and in return the ones that are curious end up losing out.:blink::blink:

No suprise YOU reacted..yeh i can even feel his charisma on video tape..so i can ONLY imagine you felt it a 1000 times stronger when you saw him live on stage...i really,and i mean this,envy you that you saw him live,i wish i was there too..
But it does not mean you know more about him,you do NOT know Elvis personally,you can read all the books you want,i can read them too,books YOU read has not dissapeared you know..all i am saying is,you do not know Elvis personally at all,not one bit...he can smile on stage,and feel sad inside..u can sarcasticlty make and direct ur comments against me cos you do not agree,but Elvis smiling on stage does NOT mean he is happy ok!If he was he would not have died at the age of 42 looking as bad as he did then..

Anyway,despite our differences,i envy you saw Elvis Live,i can only imagine it was a wonderful experience..no matter what his personal life was like,we love his music don't we?And you had the privelige to see him live on stage,when i look at the hawaii concert on dvd,with my big stereo speakers blazing,i still can't even grasp the feeling that the people felt and heared when they were actually there...

So yeh,i also would love to hear your stories ok?

[utmom2008]

But it does not mean you know more about him,you do NOT know Elvis personally,you can read all the books you want,i can read them too,books YOU read has not dissapeared you know..all i am saying is,you do not know Elvis personally at all,not one bit...

So yeh,i also would love to hear your stories ok?

:lol: I never said I knew him personally, I think you might want to read back through my posts. I sure wish I had known him personally.:lol: As I stated before....I draw MY conclusions from what I have read, just like EVERY other poster on this board.

[Tommy]

OK, let's not fuss and get personal again.

[utmom2008]

Those of us who were lucky enough to see him perform in person saw not only his wonderful stage personality but he did let us catch quite a few glimpses of his personal side as he was very natural and unaffected so gave us that little edge in what he was like in private.

Thank you Diane...that's EXACTLY what I have said before. Over and over and over....:lol::lol:

[utmom2008]

No suprise YOU reacted..

OK, let's not fuss and get personal again.

I agree Tommy....but since the comment was aimed my way I defended myself.:blush::blush::blink::blink:

[Tommy]

STOP now please...........let's all be fair and square. Get back on the subject.

[Pelvis]

You're great tommy hehe

[Tommy]

You're great tommy hehe

Thank you but this is not part of this subject. Just stay the course and talk about Elvis.

[Pelvis]

On the Topic..i agree with You Tommy..it is ok if others do not agree...but personally i think Cilla leaving Elvis was difficult for Elvis and made the big turning point in his life..

I might not be right,but in my opinion it seems obvious

[cameron]

IMO, Elvis was just a lonely kid right from the beginning.
He was a strange little fellow. ;)
I don't feel his divorce caused him any more sadness than any of us that divorces . It just added to some of the things already on his mind. I feel he did miss Lisa very much though.

I don't feel anyone "knows" Elvis just because they were lucky enough to see him in concert. I DO feel they could come away with a more personal experience and feel of the man, rather than watching or hearing him on any DVD or video. I've never been jealous or begrudged anyone for that . I DO enjoy hearing stories from anyone that was there.Their excitement is contageous. :P (y)

[SeeSeeRider777]

No one could figure out Elvis. I mean he had it all and he was still unhappy. Strange. I would love to know what was going through his mind.

[President Presley]

You're right Cameron, since he was a kid Elvis was a loner and when he got famous he couldn't go outside like we do, so he watched a lot of television instead and yeah, that'll make you lonely. His mom died, he took pills, got physical problems, Cilla leaving, The Colonel pulling the strings, nothing was spared for Elvis.

[Albert]

'A Lonely Life Ends on Elvis Presley Blvd' these words are from a newspaper headline in August 1977 (commented by midnight in the Elvis Then & Now thread).

IMO the comment is valid given what we have heard from those around him. Do you think that this was always the case?

what do you think were the causes of this loneliness?

Was the dependence of medication the problem?

Was it the divorce?

Or do you think he was tickety-boo?

What are your thoughts........

Before having read any books, I based my knowledge of Elvis on the Elvis I knew from the movies, pictures and songs. And who could think of a troubled man then?

But then came the books. Most of them were positive (written by fans, or writers serving the fans). But bit by bit it became clear that Elvis did have some huge problems in his life.

Careless Love, The Recording Sessions, The Concert Years, Elvis And Me and Elvis Day by Day showed an Elvis far from perfect. Many times unispired, little backbone to his manager, little wishes to improve himself, no urge to keep his love for one woman, the babytalk to girlfriends, his nightlife (sleeping during daytime, living in the night), no wish to expand his friendships outside the relative small clique... the list goes on and on.

It was quite shocking to read (in several books) that the Elvis during the wonderfull upbeat spring 1975 tours, was indeed in deep troubles. Kathy Westmoreland, the Sweet Inspiritations, James Burton and others were thinking about leaving his band. He was spending money as water on planes, women, friends and strangers.

I think that the source of all these problems were his over-protective youth where all focus was on the dependance of his mother. He was relative poorly educated, which made him feel inferior to other educated people. And this didn't limit itself to people with knowledge, but also skills: actors and other artists (who could write and compose). And with all the free-time in his life, he rarely (or never?) made the decision to have private lessons to improve his knowledge (hometeachers), acting (did he have any formal acting training to improve his skills?) or composing (I couldn't find a source where someone actually made appointments with Elvis to really teach him how to play the piano, guitar, or to learn how to compose a song or come up with a lyric).

But as hard as it may sound, I think along the way Elvis really became tickety-boo. Throughout 1974/1975, bit by bit he lost sight on reality. His transformation from a slim, karate-loving, slightly overweight Elvis in early 1974, to the 220 pound man who already then was spoken about as a parody of his former self, is more than enough proof. You can blame that on outside influences, but then you're pretty much in denial. Just as much as Elvis was and his whole entourage. I remember one of the members of The Sweet Inspirations said after the Omaha/Rapid City shows to her man that it was a good show and that Elvis looked good. Then she saw The In Concert tv-broadcast and started crying. Only then she saw for the first time that Elvis was looking horrible without her even noticing it then.

By the way: people always say that his fame made it impossible to go outside or have a normal life. But how come people like Paul macCartney, Madonna, Tom Jones, and many other people who had a period of superstardom and insanity (of the crazy fans), but turned out allright with a pretty normal life? During the 60s the Elvismania was pretty much over. And during the 70s he wasn't the superstar anymore that he was before. Of course he still drew a crowd. But so did The Who, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, etc. With a few exceptions, in the 70s Elvis was 'just a Vegas' performer with poor singles/album sales.

[The King's Queen]

In an effort to understand this completely...may I ask what "tickety boo" means????

[cameron]

In an effort to understand this completely...may I ask what "tickety boo" means????
Yes, I was wondering that too. ;):blink:



tickety-boo Definition tickety-boo (tik′i tē bo̵̅o̅′)

adjective

Brit., Informal fine, excellent, in working order, etc.: an old-fashioned use
This doesn't help much.:blink:

[EnigmaticSun]

Babytalk to girlfriends, yeah that's disturbing.

Now to be serious here: the point is that media and press help to kill a man and after that go on to say "Elvis.. what happened" or "A lonely life ends.." - there's a saying that these are the tears of a crocodile, if you know what I mean.

Elvis was different but outstanding. In this world there's usually no appreciation for such a thing, unless there's money to be made out of it.

It probably would have been seemingly easier for him to be a mediocre superficial badly-dressed sexually repressed sugar-water beer drinking football hooligan.

[The King's Queen]

Now to be serious here: the point is that media and press help to kill a man and after that go on to say "Elvis.. what happened" or "A lonely life ends.." - there's a saying that these are the tears of a crocodile, if you know what I mean.
Elvis was different but outstanding. In this world there's usually no appreciation for such a thing, unless there's money to be made out of it.

It probably would have been seemingly easier for him to be a mediocre, superficial, badly-dressed, sexually repressed, sugar-water beer drinking football hooligan.


Or also, Roses after the fact. ;) I think it all comes down to the issue of what "sells" and what doesn't. And as we all know...the good stuff won't sell near as much as the bad stuff will! Dirty laundry stikes again....:supriced:;)

[jak]

Before having read any books, I based my knowledge of Elvis on the Elvis I knew from the movies, pictures and songs. And who could think of a troubled man then?

But then came the books. Most of them were positive (written by fans, or writers serving the fans). But bit by bit it became clear that Elvis did have some huge problems in his life.

Careless Love, The Recording Sessions, The Concert Years, Elvis And Me and Elvis Day by Day showed an Elvis far from perfect. Many times unispired, little backbone to his manager, little wishes to improve himself, no urge to keep his love for one woman, the babytalk to girlfriends, his nightlife (sleeping during daytime, living in the night), no wish to expand his friendships outside the relative small clique... the list goes on and on.

It was quite shocking to read (in several books) that the Elvis during the wonderfull upbeat spring 1975 tours, was indeed in deep troubles. Kathy Westmoreland, the Sweet Inspiritations, James Burton and others were thinking about leaving his band. He was spending money as water on planes, women, friends and strangers.

I think that the source of all these problems were his over-protective youth where all focus was on the dependance of his mother. He was relative poorly educated, which made him feel inferior to other educated people. And this didn't limit itself to people with knowledge, but also skills: actors and other artists (who could write and compose). And with all the free-time in his life, he rarely (or never?) made the decision to have private lessons to improve his knowledge (hometeachers), acting (did he have any formal acting training to improve his skills?) or composing (I couldn't find a source where someone actually made appointments with Elvis to really teach him how to play the piano, guitar, or to learn how to compose a song or come up with a lyric).

But as hard as it may sound, I think along the way Elvis really became tickety-boo. Throughout 1974/1975, bit by bit he lost sight on reality. His transformation from a slim, karate-loving, slightly overweight Elvis in early 1974, to the 220 pound man who already then was spoken about as a parody of his former self, is more than enough proof. You can blame that on outside influences, but then you're pretty much in denial. Just as much as Elvis was and his whole entourage. I remember one of the members of The Sweet Inspirations said after the Omaha/Rapid City shows to her man that it was a good show and that Elvis looked good. Then she saw The In Concert tv-broadcast and started crying. Only then she saw for the first time that Elvis was looking horrible without her even noticing it then.

By the way: people always say that his fame made it impossible to go outside or have a normal life. But how come people like Paul macCartney, Madonna, Tom Jones, and many other people who had a period of superstardom and insanity (of the crazy fans), but turned out allright with a pretty normal life? During the 60s the Elvismania was pretty much over. And during the 70s he wasn't the superstar anymore that he was before. Of course he still drew a crowd. But so did The Who, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, etc. With a few exceptions, in the 70s Elvis was 'just a Vegas' performer with poor singles/album sales.

Youre post is somewhat depressing but it's unfortunately completely correct.Much of Elvis' problems were of his own making no matter how hard people try to assign blame elsewhere.I think he had many chances to be better fullfilled personally and professionally but he always shot himself in the foot.In a way his good traits were always battling his bad ones.Ultimately he just couldnt strike a balance between the two and he paid the price.Elvis chose to isolate himself and construct his own world around him.Youre point about his isolation is well taken.He wasnt going to be the guy next door but he could have done more to lead a more normal lifestyle.His isolation was self imposed which I think caused him to loose his sight on reality.Elvis never grew up.He didnt have to.I think he was basically an imature person his entire life and that didnt serve him well in the long run.

[Donut]

I think the key is he was way too insecure and that lead him to isolate himself from the outside world, look for women younger than him, dumb himself with medication and needed to be pushed to get new challenges for the same reason.

[Tony Trout]

In the 1977 concert...Elvis says ..when he starts singing "are you lonesome tonight"..he says.."i was..and i am"...so he answered that question him self


I believe he said this in Rapid City, SD during the filming of "Elvis In Concert". I know I've seen it in one of the televised versions of "This Is Elvis" years ago but the funny thing is that when watching the 'outtakes' of the show, I don't see it. :hmm:

[EnigmaticSun]

the good stuff won't sell near as much as the bad stuff will! Dirty laundry stikes again....:suprised:;)

Good point. As you have pointed out (sounds somewhat repetitive) it's strange that in his case the media and such tend to be so severe. On the other hand there's an entire industry, which includes his so-called friends (not pointing at anyone in particular) who stopped being friendly, feeding and thriving on negativity surrounding his persona. And with him being physically unable to defend himself he's obviously an easy victim.

There seems to be something wrong with me too, having drawn me into a marriage with an older man. So I guess Elvis and me are two of a kind: different and weird. I really don't see why it was wrong for him to date and like younger women.

I'm sorry, but people such as Madonna, Tom Jones or Paul McCartney certainly don't touch me the way Elvis does. I think it was hard for Elvis to find the human and cultural environment he really needed and not just from the perspective of the artist.

[Diane]

I agree with Albert, Jak and Donut. Unfortunately Elvis was brought up to always depend on someone else to make his decisions starting from the beginning with his mother. His self-imposed lifestyle was surely the biggest reason he was never able to fully mature. I too wish he had made more of an effort to take his life and decisions in his own hands and go with it. Things may have turned out differently and better for him.

Diane

[cameron]

Good point. As you have pointed out (sounds somewhat repetitive) it's strange that in his case the media and such tend to be so severe. On the other hand there's an entire industry, which includes his so-called friends (not pointing at anyone in particular) who stopped being friendly, feeding and thriving on negativity surrounding his persona. And with him being physically unable to defend himself he's obviously an easy victim.
.

I haven't noticed the medias unforgiveness as much as I have the so -called fans on Elvis MB .:'(
Some just can't or won't forgive him for being human.

[EnigmaticSun]

:'(Some just can't or won't forgive him for being human.

The way I see it, these folks are posthumously urging Elvis to be "normal" and mediocre.

[jak]

The comments made on this topic dont constitute passing judgement on him.They are merely observations as to how his life went.An Elvis MB isnt a holy sacred shrine where one must blindly worship Elvis.Not everything he did was just okey dokey.It's only common sense different aspects are brought up.Good and bad.Personally I have nothing to forgive Elvis for.I didnt know him.If anybody truly feels they cant forgive Elvis for something I would urge them to seek professinal help.If he wasnt human we wouldnt have the negatives to discuss.It just shows how far removed the man Elvis was from the myth we know as the"king".It's one of the reasons he's so fascinating.

[EnigmaticSun]

So is an Elvis MB a place to mainly point out flaws?

Saying something positive doesn't necessarily match up with blind worship.

[cameron]

The way I see it, these folks are posthumously urging Elvis to be "normal" and mediocre.

It seems they were very disappointed in their Idol.
There was no room for understanding or forgiveness.
He just didn't do as they expected him to do.
So, they need to make sure no one forgets his mistakes.
I'd hate to be held to the standards they inflict upon others.
Makes one wonder how "perfect" or rigid their life is.

It's too late for Elvis to be "normal".
IMO, it's these same folks that would never have paid any attention to him in the first place, if he was "normal" or mediocre .;)
So, for his "differences" that drew them to him in the first place;
he can never be forgiven because he didn't live up to their expectations.

[jak]

So is an Elvis MB a place to mainly point out flaws?

Saying something positive doesn't necessarily match up with blind worship.

Havent you noticed that when his flaws are discussed there is usually a backlash?Even if it's the truth.Do you think his flaws are fair game for discussion?
One thing amazes me about his fans.You had this guy Elvis.IMO no other entertainer ever shined as great or had so much promise.He was just bursting with energy and was full of life.On the outside he appeared to have the world in the palm of his hand.Im one of those who think he actually did by the way.Yet his outcome was basically horriffic when you consider how and why things turned out eventually.How does one ignore these things?Can the real fans just block it out?If I do my best to ignore the sun rising everyday does that make it so?I think many fans just cant accept that Elvis basically screwed up things for himself and they wont admit it.They cant.I just prefer to be honest and truthfull.Am I less of a fan than you "real" fans here?

[jak]

Elvis Presley was mediocre many times.I dont think normal ever applied to him.

[EnigmaticSun]

If Elvis was mediocre many a time, then I feel really close the ground. My life hasn't been a success-story so far. I didn't say you're less of a fan.

Sometimes you say something and people may get mad at you. It's okay: you take a chance getting up in the morning, crossing the street or sticking your face in a fan.

There ain't much I can add to Cameron's post though!

[cameron]

I never much liked Willie Nelsons voice.. But, sometimes he just says things no one else gets. ;) For those that use music to express our feelings :

x3DxVVfTifg

[EnigmaticSun]

That's why I'd love to do some of his songs. I'd love to give 'em a rich and full vocal tone, I suppose my voice is suitable for that.

At BillyGilmanFans they desperately read over anything I write about these things, but an older man like Willie does bring back that good ol-timey feeling. This is real country and the song is truly meaningful (in this case it's about human imperfection). Thank you, Cameron.

Nice to see my guitar playing isn't as bad as I thought. It's now pretty easy to play along to a song this way. Some may have said a classical guitar wouldn't sound right this way, but it does.

[Albert]

So is an Elvis MB a place to mainly point out flaws?

Saying something positive doesn't necessarily match up with blind worship.


This (and all other ELvis MB's) is a tribute to Elvis. A few topics where his flaws are discussed doesn't mean a bad thing, only that Elvis is still considered a human being and not a holy saint. When Elvis said "it's hard to live up to an image", I think he prefered to be seen and dealt with as Elvis the human, than Elvis The King.

Comparing Elvis with artists like Madonna or McCartney doesn't mean that they have had the same impact, sales or life as Elvis, but that their peak of fame is comparable to the one of Elvis at that time.

Elvis wasn't the victim of his succes, but a victim of his own personality and choices.

[EnigmaticSun]

..that Elvis is still considered a human being and not a holy saint.

Comparing Elvis with artists like Madonna or McCartney doesn't mean that they have had the same impact, sales or life as Elvis..

Even holy saints have had their flaws and personal difficulties.

I didn't mean to talk about sales or impact in the media. This is just an emotional thing.

The future looks pretty grim. I suppose people like on this board might judge me severely.

[Diane]

I think Elvis was a victim of his success because of his type of personality. Some are well suited for that kind of life and some are not but I think he dealt with it in the only way he knew how and there weren't too many "level-headed" people around him to help.

We at least have to give him credit for his unique talent and yes personality, and for taking over and producing his own music in his own way. That seemed to be the one area in his life where no one could tell him how to do it and he was a genius at it.

Diane

[jak]

"Elvis wasn't the victim of his succes, but a victim of his own personality and choices"

That sums it up perfectly,

[Diane]

It's like what came first....the chicken or the egg? :) His personality was already formed before his success so since he wasn't really equipped emotionally to handle it, he was a victim of it.

Sorry if I'm so hard-headed about this but it only looks like common sense to me.

Diane

[cameron]

We are formed in the womb. How our personalities are formed ; both good and bad is just the product of how we were raised . And, most times by an inbred factor. that is inherited.. Both physically and mentally.

[Donut]

We are formed in the womb. How our personalities are formed ; both good and bad is just the product of how we were raised . And, most times by an inbred factor. that is inherited.. Both physically and mentally.

Not entirely true... we have the option to change what we don´t like but sometimes we don´t want to make the effort that it takes.

[cameron]

Not entirely true... we have the option to change what we don´t like but sometimes we don´t want to make the effort that it takes.
Only partly true. Ask people that live it every day.
Your formative years are always there ! Plus inherited genes, you can never get rid of. ;)

[EnigmaticSun]

We just have to accept that complaining about Elvis' walk of life is somehow magically going to turn back and neutralize any wrongdoing, isn't it?

[Donut]

[/B]
Only partly true. Ask people that live it every day.
Your formative years are always there ! Plus inherited genes, you can never get rid of. ;)

We ALL live it every day, life is like that way. We can´t live by that reasoning. While there is life there is hope...

[cameron]

We ALL live it every day, life is like that way. We can´t live by that reasoning. While there is life there is hope...

You might try asking someone that does it.
Then, you might try asking the relatives of the ones that didn't make it.
Has nothing to do with reasoning,Just facts.

[Donut]

You might try asking someone that does it.
Then, you might try asking the relatives of the ones that didn't make it.
Has nothing to do with reasoning,Just facts.

OK, I see you don´t get it. Maybe you should try asking the ones that make it then. There´s no need to get so in a defensive mode though...

[elvia7]

I thing - Elvis is happy now.:hmm:
Almost all life HI look for love ( truly love ).
HIS life was for HIM probably absolutly empty' after Pris took
from HIM - Lisa.:sad::sad:

[cameron]

OK, I see you don´t get it. Maybe you should try asking the ones that make it then. There´s no need to get so in a defensive mode though...

Don't mean it as defensive , sorry.
Just seen too much blame heaped on too many that couldn't handle it.
They're dead now , many by their own hand . :'(

[KPM]

"Elvis wasn't the victim of his succes, but a victim of his own personality and choices"

That sums it up perfectly,
Once again my friend we will only partially agree. I think the success was part of the problem-IMO had he never hit it big, had he continued to work at Crown Electric and lived a "normal existence"-had he married, gone to the local church and had kids he would have had a better chance living past 42 His choices and personality would have been influenced by his upbringing, childhood experiences, and heredity (which most psychiatrists will agree on) so either way IMO he may have had problems -but that type huge worldwide success would have to do a number on any 20 year olds head. I think he was no different.
Nice to see you back(y)

[EnigmaticSun]

but that type huge worldwide success would have to do a number on any 20 year olds head. I think he was no different.

It must be difficult at any age. I think it was difficult for Hitler to become Führer (leader) when he was in his thirties and forties. In such cases you get the impression of immense loneliness.

I wouldn't take most psychiatrists all too seriously, but I suppose that simply has to do with me trying to get back at my father who tried to keep mama away from me.

Some people have a lot of experience in life and therefore have some wisdom and insight in the strange ways of humanity and (e.g.) become pope, but they can deal with it.

Not trying to say Elvis was too weak. If he was, then who cares? I just get the impression there was something physical going on there.

[The King's Queen]

I thing - Elvis is happy now.:hmm:
Almost all life HI look for love ( truly love ).
HIS life was for HIM probably absolutly empty' after Pris took
from HIM - Lisa.:sad::sad:

(y):notworthy:notworthy

My friend...you have an excellent point! No matter what he did...who's to blame for it...or who's not, one thing is certain...He loved his little girl! :'( After losing Gladys, I often think that Lisa was the only bright spot in his life. How sad to have life by the tail, and still be unhappy! To be surrounded by people, and yet feel all alone... I feel sad for him, because I am with Diane in the fact that he was who he was, and obviously was NOT prepared mentally for what would come into play throughout his life. I don't find it at all unreasonable to believe that things just got out of control for him before he could get a grip on them...most addicts have that very same problem. And then, by that time, there is almost no way to convince them that they have a problem....even when they may agree that they do, deep down they still think that they are able to handle it...sad thing is, they rarely ever do.

[SweetCaroline]

It's like what came first....the chicken or the egg? :) His personality was already formed before his success so since he wasn't really equipped emotionally to handle it, he was a victim of it.

Sorry if I'm so hard-headed about this but it only looks like common sense to me.

Diane


Exactly Diane!!! :notworthy:notworthy:notworthy
Elvis was the emotional guy he was and that is what made us love him and the music he made for us...His emotional makeup also made him not able to handle the crazy world that happened to him. Seems pretty simple to me:king:

[SweetCaroline]

It seems they were very disappointed in their Idol.
There was no room for understanding or forgiveness.
He just didn't do as they expected him to do.
So, they need to make sure no one forgets his mistakes.
I'd hate to be held to the standards they inflict upon others.
Makes one wonder how "perfect" or rigid their life is.

It's too late for Elvis to be "normal".
IMO, it's these same folks that would never have paid any attention to him in the first place, if he was "normal" or mediocre .;)
So, for his "differences" that drew them to him in the first place;
he can never be forgiven because he didn't live up to their expectations.

Couldn't think of a word to add to your thoughts, Cameron. Really well stated.(y)
Did the sweet fella have flaws? Without a doubt! but the good of ELVIS so outweighed the flaws... that the flaws become minuscule in comparison and should be hardly a footnote in the overall story of ELVIS!:king:

[rhythmknights]

'A Lonely Life Ends on Elvis Presley Blvd' . . IMO the comment is valid given what we have heard from those around him. Do you think that this was always the case?
i sometimes think that aside from his mother and cousins, Elvis felt he was alone. this from the different things i've read
what do you think were the causes of this loneliness?
fame. i read that he always goes home to Memphis after every job he finishes - home is comfort, but then he can't just go over to "John and Joan's" house for a bar-b-que, it would cause to much chaos, he can't go to his church - it would disrupt the service, Priscilla told him not to go to her graduation, as it would be disruptive, what good is all of it if you can't even enjoy it with your friends and still be treated like one of the guys like you used to be.
Was the dependence of medication the problem?
at the end, sure. in the beginning - i don't think so!
Was it the divorce?
sort of. imo, he had a deep desire to be an ordinary family man, because he knew that was what his mother wanted for him. she wanted Elvis to be happily married with lots of young ones running about the estate! of course, Elvis was happy being Elvis, i don't think he knew quite how to deal with the whole package and didn't really understand that no one can have it all. i do know that he loved children from all the photos of him
with the children of friends and managers, etc.Or do you think he was tickety-boo?
huh :blink: is that to say he was - going bonkers?

What are your thoughts........
didn't read all the comments, so be kind!
great thread, when i have more time, i'll read the whole 4 pages!

[Unchained Melody]

I
Was he lonely? Yes, I think he was. But, his loneliness was always there from the beginning, IMO. Many reasons ,even in his childhood.


Well of couse none of us knew him personally but you didn't have to just to know the man was depressed. Hello, look at how he let himself go the last couple of years, does that sound to you like someone who is happy, Most likely No it doesn't.

I recall Linda Thompson being interviewed and she said Elvis told her in a moment of real brutal honesty, he was intensley lonely at heart that's how he would put it.

Look at the Elvis from 1955, to 1975. Two TOTALLY different human beings, the death of his mother, which never got over I don' think, the divorce, which was his final blow IMO. So when you think of all this, plus the Colonel using Elvis as a money machine, its no wonder he was sad !!

Reminds me of that ol saying, What profits a man, if he gains the whole world, and looses his soul :(

[Unchained Melody]

[/b]

Some just can't or won't forgive him for being human.

I wanted to point something out here when I read this, just because some tend to discuss the other side of Elvis, does not mean we do not forgive him. The truth sometimes does hurt, but you have to accept Elvis for what he was human, who made tons of mistakes just like the rest of us.

[jak]

Once again my friend we will only partially agree. I think the success was part of the problem-IMO had he never hit it big, had he continued to work at Crown Electric and lived a "normal existence"-had he married, gone to the local church and had kids he would have had a better chance living past 42 His choices and personality would have been influenced by his upbringing, childhood experiences, and heredity (which most psychiatrists will agree on) so either way IMO he may have had problems -but that type huge worldwide success would have to do a number on any 20 year olds head. I think he was no different.
Nice to see you back(y)

Hello KPM
It's always good to discuss these topics with you.I would point out to you that Elvis made the choice to stop driving that truck.Elvis wanted to be a star.That was his choice alone so he must bear the responsibilty for it.He had to accept the good with the bad.I just dont think Elvis was suited to live a normal life so to speak.He was just different and he stood out to much from the crowd.I just always go back to the way I was brought up.To me every adult must shoulder responsibilty for their own actions.I do agree with you about the magnitude of his sucess being overwhelming.I dont think he could have forseen just how huge it was going to be.

[Unchained Melody]

Havent you noticed that when his flaws are discussed there is usually a backlash?Even if it's the truth.Do you think his flaws are fair game for discussion?
One thing amazes me about his fans.You had this guy Elvis.IMO no other entertainer ever shined as great or had so much promise.He was just bursting with energy and was full of life.On the outside he appeared to have the world in the palm of his hand.Im one of those who think he actually did by the way.Yet his outcome was basically horriffic when you consider how and why things turned out eventually.How does one ignore these things?Can the real fans just block it out?If I do my best to ignore the sun rising everyday does that make it so?I think many fans just cant accept that Elvis basically screwed up things for himself and they wont admit it.They cant.I just prefer to be honest and truthfull.Am I less of a fan than you "real" fans here?

Spot on Jak, couldn't have put it any better.

There is no way, even if once tried, to block that stuff out, the wrongs in Elvis' life..there very much apart of it as is everything else in his life!
If that makes us less of fans for accepting it then so be it.

[cameron]

IMO,most everyone accepts him for who he was.
Some just seems to enjoy the fall more than others.

[Unchained Melody]

IMO,most everyone accepts him for who he was.
Some just sems to enjoy the fall more than others.

I don't know if enjoy is the correct word to use here.

Maybe most are interested in his downfall, because here you have the biggest star in the world, had it in the palm of his hands, and he let it all slip away. I think thats why some are drawn to the downfall of him, it definitley is interesting to say the least.

[jak]

I certainly have never taken any enjoyment from his downfall.Im just not blind or oblivious to it.I would like to believe I have enough intelligence to look at things from all angles.Im not one to bury my head in the sand or make believe some things didnt happen.I realize his downfall is some sort of taboo for many.To me it's not.Why should it be?

[cameron]

I don't know if enjoy is the correct word to use here.

Maybe most are interested in his downfall, because here you have the biggest star in the world, had it in the palm of his hands, and he let it all slip away. I think thats why some are drawn to the downfall of him, it definitley is interesting to say the least.

That was taken straight from the MM.
Very strange statement to me. Interesting to see a sick man?
I'd much rather find out where he came from and what happened in between.
There's always circumstances no one is aware of in most peoples lives.
To me, that is interesting.

[Unchained Melody]

I certainly have never taken any enjoyment from his downfall.Im just not blind or oblivious to it.

And neither have I. I'm not going to sit and deny everything just because it hurts to know some of the things our man was involved in through his life.

And your right Jak, that is the best thing to do, is try to look at it though ALL angles and come up with your own conclusion..thats about all we can do.

[cameron]

[QUOTE=jak;217494]I certainly have never taken any enjoyment from his downfall.Im just not blind or oblivious to it.I would like to believe I have enough intelligence to look at things from all angles.Im not one to bury my head in the sand or make believe some things didnt happen.I realize his downfall is some sort of taboo for many.To me it's not.Why should it be?[/QUOT
IMO, most everyone is well aware of the problems he had.
Many just don't care to look further to see where to place the blame.
There's plenty of blame to go around-- for all of them.
It's just ignored .

Believe me, in my business, you don't bury your head in the sand.
It just never helped to correct the problem by heaping it all on one.
In this case, it won't help Elvis under any circumstances .
It's way too late !

[jak]

Elvis' last years are fascinating to many.Not because he was sick.It's because he threw everything away and self destructed.He reached the summit and then crashed back down by his own accord.His story is one of success,excess and tradegy.How can anyone not find his story interesting from start to finish?There isnt anything else to compare it to.

[jak]

[QUOTE]
IMO, most everyone is well aware of the problems he had.
Many just don't care to look further to see where to place the blame.
There's plenty of blame to go around-- for all of them.
It's just ignored .

Believe me, in my business, you don't bury your head in the sand.
It just never helped to correct the problem by heaping it all on one.
In this case, it won't help Elvis under any circumstances .
It's way too late !

It's obvious many still have not come to terms with how Elvis ended up.Personally I have never looked to place blame on anyone.Elvis did what he did.He was a big boy that made terrible descions professionally and personally.It began and ended with him.I dont think the reason behind his problems are as complicated as some believe or want to believe.

[cameron]

Elvis' last years are fascinating to many.Not because he was sick.It's because he threw everything away and self destructed.He reached the summit and then crashed back down by his own accord.His story is one of success,excess and tradegy.How can anyone not find his story interesting from start to finish?There isnt anything else to compare it to.
I've never found it interesting or amusing to watch an unhappy person taken advantage of.
You can find many stories of many people just like this.
Only difference I see ; they might not be as interesting because one didn't watch it happen so publicly.
Thankfully, I've seen some go on to live better lives. After getting rid of the leeches in their lives.

[cameron]

It's obvious many still have not come to terms with how Elvis ended up.Personally I have never looked to place blame on anyone.Elvis did what he did.He was a big boy that made terrible descions professionally and personally.It began and ended with him.I dont think the reason behind his problems are as complicated as some believe or want to believe.
It's quite obvious some never looked very far . ;)

[jak]

I've never found it interesting or amusing to watch an unhappy person taken advantage of.
You can find many stories of many people just like this.
Only difference I see ; they might not be as interesting because one didn't watch it happen so publicly.
Thankfully, I've seen some go on to live better lives. After getting rid of the leeches in their lives.

Elvis' leeches were home grown.The being taken advantage of played both ways.Elvis created that fantasy world he lived in and made sure only those he dubbed suitable gained entrance.Elvis was a true puppetmaster with everybody around him dancing on strings.Elvis needed that environment to exercise control.He created his own world rather than deal with the real one.Elvis knew exactly what he was doing.That's how he kept the lid sealed tight for so long when it came to his personal behaviour.

[cameron]

Elvis' leeches were home grown.The being taken advantage of played both ways.Elvis created that fantasy world he lived in and made sure only those he dubbed suitable gained entrance.Elvis was a true puppetmaster with everybody around him dancing on strings.Elvis needed that environment to exercise control.He created his own world rather than deal with the real one.Elvis knew exactly what he was doing.That's how he kept the lid sealed tight for so long when it came to his personal behaviour.
You ,as everyone can believe what they like.
I just get bored as I see more to talk about than this.

[jak]

You ,as everyone can believe what they like.
I just get bored as I see more to talk about than this.

Then why comment at all?Simple really.

[cameron]

Then why comment at all?Simple really.
As some would say : because I can ! :lmfao:

[jak]

As some would say : because I can ! :lmfao:

Yes,that is a pity;)

[Unchained Melody]

Elvis' last years are fascinating to many.Not because he was sick.It's because he threw everything away and self destructed.He reached the summit and then crashed back down by his own accord.His story is one of success,excess and tradegy.How can anyone not find his story interesting from start to finish?There isnt anything else to compare it to.

Exactly my point !!!:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy

[Unchained Melody]

I just get bored as I see more to talk about than this.

Then go on to a different thread. Simple as that. ;)

[Unchained Melody]

You ,as everyone can believe what they like.
I just get bored as I see more to talk about than this.

Seems to me someones in denial (n)

[cameron]

Seems to me someones in denial (n)
Yes, I thought you would. An easy and often used "catch phrase" . :P
There IS, IMO many more things he accomplished than not .
But, we do seem to get OFF TOPIC, quite often anymore!

[Unchained Melody]

An easy and often used "catch phrase" . :P

As the ol saying goes, when the shoe fits ;)

[presley31]

There are so many different sides to elvis thats its not hard to get lost in reseaching about his life and downfalls. One thing l will say elvis made the life he choose to live and he was the one who needed his friends and the lifestyle.

[cameron]

I think we've been told to not make personal comments.

IMO, going back over Elvis' 72 years .
I feel he was always a lonely, sad boy. I'm sure there's still much that hasn't been touched on. The only way I could see anyone knowing Elvis would be to go back and look at all his life.
Many things occured in his young life to cause him to be sad and scared.
The love and acceptance he got from his mother, could never be replaced, IMO. I wonder if anyone else thinks the love of a mother ever could.
Gettiing into such a crazy business at such a young age didn't help either, IMO. Perhaps it helped him to want only family and friends around.

I believe it was Gene Smith that went with him and even slept with him in the beginning. Because of his and his mothers fear of his sleep walking.That's a beginning. ;)

[SweetCaroline]

IMO,most everyone accepts him for who he was.
Some just seems to enjoy the fall more than others.


I have certainly noticed that, too. :(
It is something I will never understand.:blink:

[ehollier]

I believe that Elvis' early death is one of the reasons that there is such a huge debate and interest in these stories as if by learning the details, we can point a finger and blame his untimely passing on someone else, thereby relieving Elvis of his demise.

But as fans, we need to hold Elvis accountable for his actions - the relationships he had with the MM, the employment, or lack there of, of the MM, his premiscuousness, the failure of his marriage, incessant search for sources of medications, and his state and the circumstances of his life at the time of his death.

[cameron]

I believe that Elvis' early death is one of the reasons that there is such a huge debate and interest in these stories as if by learning the details, we can point a finger and blame his untimely passing on someone else, thereby relieving Elvis of his demise.

But Elvis needs to be held responsible for his actions - the relationships he had with the MM, the employment, or lack there of, of the MM, his premiscuousness, the failure of his marriage, incessant search for sources of medications, and his state and the circumstances of his life at the time of his death.
No one can change what's already happened.
Can't see that it matters one way or another . Some believe one thing some another . No sense fighting about it. Kinda silly, IMO.
No one will change anyone elses mind---and IMO, shouldn't even try.

[john carpenter]

I have the Newspaper thet stated "A Lonely Life Ends on Elvis Presley Blvd. How could a person who wrote this about Elvis know this? From what i've read (just like everyone on T.C.B.) is Elvis was a misfit in school. His mother was overprotective, he achieved stardom at an early age. He was drafted into the Army not knowing if he would still have a career. His mother died when Elvis was 23. He was devestated because he was very attatched to his mother. He had to go back to the Army after that happened. I could go on..but you get the point. His life wasn't all glitze and glamour. He had sadness ..like we all do. And he died at an early age only 42.:'(

[utmom2008]

[b]Elvis' last years are fascinating to many.Not because he was sick.It's because he threw everything away and self destructed.He reached the summit and then crashed back down by his own accord.His story is one of success,excess and tradegy.How can anyone not find his story interesting from start to finish?There isnt anything else to compare it to.

I tend to agree with you on this one Jak. IMO..that's one reason that Graceland still attracts over a half a million people a year.:blink: Each time I go I seem to end up standing at the foot of his grave..with no sense of time of how long I have been there.:blink:The thought that keeps running through my head is...."how did it all come down to this?" You spend so much of the day seeing all of his things, the home, the jewelry, the lavish jumpsuits, the endless awards that seem to stretch on forever. You end the day standing there at the foot of a grave of a man that was ONLY 42 years old. Your actions have consequences, and sadly, Elvis paid a HUGE price for some of his. :sad::sad:

[KPM]

Hello KPM
It's always good to discuss these topics with you.I would point out to you that Elvis made the choice to stop driving that truck.Elvis wanted to be a star.That was his choice alone so he must bear the responsibilty for it.He had to accept the good with the bad.I just dont think Elvis was suited to live a normal life so to speak.He was just different and he stood out to much from the crowd.I just always go back to the way I was brought up.To me every adult must shoulder responsibilty for their own actions.I do agree with you about the magnitude of his sucess being overwhelming.I dont think he could have forseen just how huge it was going to be.
Excellent point-unfortunately everyone is not brought up the same way. You had a good foundation from what I recall you posting to begin with. You also have had no real mental or physical quirks as I recall. You were shaped by the upbringing you were taught and what you saw around you in your formative years. You also must have good genes, you are a very nice, thinking individual who your parents must be proud of.
But you never decided how you were raised, nor your economic situation as a child, nor the surroundings which helped shape you. None of us have a choice on our genetics- things mental and physical which are just there and also have an effect that you can not control.
So for you the logical conclusion "from your upbrining, genetics and growth environment" is that everyone is solely responsible for all that they become and how they react and interact as adults.
I won't dredge up my own background as we have discussed it in the past but it is safe to say my life has probably in most ways been the opposite of yours so my conclusions are very different.


Elvis did decide to stop driving the truck and he wanted to be a star-but do you think in his wildest imagination he thought he would become the biggest star in the world? The first modern global superstar? Could he have ever thought when he made "Thats All Right Mama" that he would literally conquer the world of entertainment and the mass adualtion, the crying weeping, people who wanted to just touch him would never end? That people would name their children after him, would think he had all the answers and want him to talk to them, that almost a religious experience (for some) happened when they heard him sing or saw him perform-that never stopped. Sure he wanted to be a star-but he could have never envisoned what that meant at 20. IMO

[SweetCaroline]

I believe that Elvis' early death is one of the reasons that there is such a huge debate and interest in these stories as if by learning the details, we can point a finger and blame his untimely passing on someone else, thereby relieving Elvis of his demise.

But as fans, we need to hold Elvis accountable for his actions - the relationships he had with the MM, the employment, or lack there of, of the MM, his premiscuousness, the failure of his marriage, incessant search for sources of medications, and his state and the circumstances of his life at the time of his death.


Fans are NOT ELVIS' jury and executioner. :mad:
ELVIS already paid the HIGHEST PRICE for the roads he took in life...so I find remarks like " But as fans, we need to hold Elvis accountable for his actions" absolutely ridiculous.

[cameron]

Fans are NOT ELVIS' jury and executioner. :mad:
ELVIS already paid the HIGHEST PRICE for the roads he took in life...so I find remarks like " But as fans, we need to hold Elvis accountable for his actions" absolutely ridiculous.

Amen !! (y)(y)

[cameron]

I have the Newspaper thet stated "A Lonely Life Ends on Elvis Presley Blvd. How could a person who wrote this about Elvis know this? From what i've read (just like everyone on T.C.B.) is Elvis was a misfit in school. His mother was overprotective, he achieved stardom at an early age. He was drafted into the Army not knowing if he would still have a career. His mother died when Elvis was 23. He was devestated because he was very attatched to his mother. He had to go back to the Army after that happened. I could go on..but you get the point. His life wasn't all glitze and glamour. He had sadness ..like we all do. And he died at an early age only 42.:'(
Agree with you . What point is made by beleving he had no problem?
Never understood that way of thinking. :blink:

[Diane]

No I agree Lea. Elvis is not accountable to us for anything. He gave us much more than any other entertainer in his short life. And he doesn't need our forgiveness. The only one who could ask for that is Lisa being left at a young age without her father that she adored and lost.

Diane

[Tony Trout]

I believe that Elvis' early death is one of the reasons that there is such a huge debate and interest in these stories as if by learning the details, we can point a finger and blame his untimely passing on someone else, thereby relieving Elvis of his demise.

But as fans, we need to hold Elvis accountable for his actions - the relationships he had with the MM, the employment, or lack there of, of the MM, his premiscuousness, the failure of his marriage, incessant search for sources of medications, and his state and the circumstances of his life at the time of his death.


Fans are NOT ELVIS' jury and executioner. :mad:



I think what Elizabeth is saying is this: Elvis created these problems for himself....it's no one's fault but his! And, if that's what she's trying to say then I wholeheartedly agree with her. No one forced him to hire the guys he hired for the MM and no one forced him to take the drugs and things he took. He did it by his own choice. He was his own worst enemy.

[ehollier]

Fans are NOT ELVIS' jury and executioner. :mad:
ELVIS already paid the HIGHEST PRICE for the roads he took in life...so I find remarks like " But as fans, we need to hold Elvis accountable for his actions" absolutely ridiculous.

I am sorry that you feel that way. I hope you didn't misunderstand what I am trying to say. I am not judging anything that Elvis did. By accountable, I mean that no one made Elvis do anything. He choose to do the things that were dangerous and lead to his early death. There is not jury or judge. He did some wonderful wonderful things that we give him credit for. He made sensational music, he broke every record and won many many awards; however, he was also very destructful with his relationships, his health and, at times, his talent.

[ehollier]

I think what Elizabeth is saying is this: Elvis created these problems for himself....it's no one's fault but his! And, if that's what she's trying to say then I wholeheartedly agree with her. No one forced him to hire the guys he hired for the MM and no one forced him to take the drugs and things he took. He did it by his own choice. He was his own worst enemy.

Thanks Tony!! That is exactly what I am trying to say.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I tend to agree with you on this one Jak. IMO..that's one reason that Graceland still attracts over a half a million people a year.:blink: Each time I go I seem to end up standing at the foot of his grave..with no sense of time of how long I have been there.:blink:The thought that keeps running through my head is...."how did it all come down to this?" You spend so much of the day seeing all of his things, the home, the jewelry, the lavish jumpsuits, the endless awards that seem to stretch on forever. You end the day standing there at the foot of a grave of a man that was ONLY 42 years old. Your actions have consequences, and sadly, Elvis paid a HUGE price for some of his. :sad::sad:

Great post.

Elvis sought fame and fortune and enjoyed all it had to offer, however sometimes it's the effect of fame on you and others who surround you that is the devastating factor!

[cameron]

It's interesting we can sit in judgement of others . I guess some have never made a mistake in their lives. I've made plenty !
Money and fame has never bought love or happiness, as far as I could ever see. Thank goodness, no one sits in judgement but God !
Some are merciless and unforgiving IMO.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Agree with you . What point is made by beleving he had no problem?
Never understood that way of thinking. :blink:

I'm not sure I understand your comment.... I can't find a post that says Elvis didn't have problems, am I missing something :blink:

[Tony Trout]

Thanks Tony!! That is exactly what I am trying to say.



You're welcome, my dear friend! (y)(y)(y)

[cameron]

I'm not sure I understand your comment.... I can't find a post that says Elvis didn't have problems, am I missing something :blink:


Nevermind. It gets more and more silly, IMO.
Same thing, it never ends.
Not sure why people can't just enjoy Elvis anymore . :blink:

[SweetCaroline]

Nevermind. It gets more and more silly, IMO.
Same thing, it never ends.
Not sure why people can't just enjoy Elvis anymore . :blink:

I rather the NOT dwell on the missteps when ELVIS faultered :( ...
but on the beautiful ascent as he soared. (y)

[utmom2008]

But as fans, we need to hold Elvis accountable for his actions - the relationships he had with the MM, the employment, or lack there of, of the MM, his premiscuousness, the failure of his marriage, incessant search for sources of medications, and his state and the circumstances of his life at the time of his death.
Meaning what??? That Elvis owes us an explanation?? I don't and never will hold him "accountable" for something he did, or didn't do. We should hold ourselves accountable..not someone that actually we never met or even knew.:blink::blink:His relationship with the MM is not and never was anything that he needed to explain to anyone. Do we hold Priscilla accountable for her actions? Or..Lisa?? Elvis gave me a lifetime of wonderful memories and enjoyment. He paid for it all with his life. He doesn't owe me anything.:blink::blink::blush:


ELVIS already paid the HIGHEST PRICE for the roads he took in life...
Yes..he has paid dearly I would say. And continues to pay..over and over and over.:blink::blink::sad:

[ehollier]

Meaning what??? That Elvis owes us an explanation?? ........./quote]

If you read further, I did explain what I meant.

[QUOTE]...He choose to do the things that were dangerous and lead to his early death. There is not jury or judge. He did some wonderful wonderful things that we give him credit for. He made sensational music, he broke every record and won many many awards; however, he was also very destructful with his relationships, his health and, at times, his talent.

After I read your last post before mine, I couldn't agree more with you, and I thought that my posts reflected that. Sorry!!!! Just a misunderstanding!!!!!!

[Unchained Melody]

Not sure why people can't just enjoy Elvis anymore . :blink:

I'm Enjoying Elvis right now as I play Opening Night '72 loudly through the speakers!! (y)(y);)

[KPM]

Great post.

Elvis sought fame and fortune and enjoyed all it had to offer, however sometimes it's the effect of fame on you and others who surround you that is the devastating factor!
Exactly-and the magnitude of his fame and fortune was unprecedented. He could have never imagined how huge it would become, nor how life changing it would be for him-and for all who surrounded him be it family friend or employee.

I don't feel his life should be accountable to me-anymore than my life should be accountable to anyone else. We are all the same species but we do not share the same conditions of life, same mental and physical health, nor intelligence, nor monetary standing etc....
We do not have common parents with the same values and the same genes. We are all different and may have things in common but there is no way we can all be the same. I do not walk in your shoes and you do not walk in mine. (and I definitly have no inkling, no thoughts on what it was like to walk in Elvis's)
Red West is quoted somewhere in the book Elvis Close Up as saying something to the effect
"I don't know how else it could have ended up" concerning Elvis's life.
A runaway train which goes out of control (for whatever reasons) can't be stopped-even by the engineer running it.

[Unchained Melody]

Exactly-and the magnitude of his fame and fortune was unprecedented. He could have never imagined how huge it would become, nor how life changing it would be for him-

True. This reminds me for some reason of the song Green Green Grass Of Home, the version from August 1975 in Las Vegas...and Elvis sounds dramatic when speaking and says "Then I awake and look around me, At 4 grey walls that surround me,And GOD, I realize, I was only dreamin". Its on the new Canceled Request Box Shows CD. It just gave me the feeling that he somewhat regretted the fame and that he felt somewhat like a prisoner of his own sucess and fame.

[presley31]

I really feel that elvis never believed he was that great and he always wondered why the fans loved him so much. Maybe all these questions go back to his childhood and why would a humble man like himself become a famous person and have thousands of people sceam and go nuts when they seen him. I think all the loneless came from his childhood and progress though the years, losing his mother and than his wife was the biggest blow in elvis life and l really don't think he knew how to handle the pain that good and in front of the guys he had to show he was tough and not dying inside, but though those last years, elvis lost that spark he had for life and the only time he was turly happy when he was on stage and showing his fans he wouldn't let them down.

[utmom2008]

If you read further, I did explain what I meant.



After I read your last post before mine, I couldn't agree more with you, and I thought that my posts reflected that. Sorry!!!! Just a misunderstanding!!!!!!

OK....I read back through your posts. I guess what you meant was that he made his own choices in life. And, yes he did.:blink::blush:

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Nevermind. It gets more and more silly, IMO.
Same thing, it never ends.
Not sure why people can't just enjoy Elvis anymore . :blink:

Why is it when I ask a question in all honesty, I get a glib answer :blink:
It seems you can pass comment on peoples posts but when asked to explain your actions you dodge the question?

[Unchained Melody]

but though those last years, elvis lost that spark he had for life and the only time he was turly happy when he was on stage and showing his fans he wouldn't let them down.

This got me thinking, you know how we hear in 1976 Elvis didn't want to be on stage and was obviously on cruise control, and because he needed the cash. But strange, in 1977 being on stage was the only time he was happy anymore.

[jak]

I am sorry that you feel that way. I hope you didn't misunderstand what I am trying to say. I am not judging anything that Elvis did. By accountable, I mean that no one made Elvis do anything. He choose to do the things that were dangerous and lead to his early death. There is not jury or judge. He did some wonderful wonderful things that we give him credit for. He made sensational music, he broke every record and won many many awards; however, he was also very destructful with his relationships, his health and, at times, his talent.

You are absolutely right.It all comes down to personal responsilbilty.He chose the path he took in his later life.

[jak]

I tend to agree with you on this one Jak. IMO..that's one reason that Graceland still attracts over a half a million people a year.:blink: Each time I go I seem to end up standing at the foot of his grave..with no sense of time of how long I have been there.:blink:The thought that keeps running through my head is...."how did it all come down to this?" You spend so much of the day seeing all of his things, the home, the jewelry, the lavish jumpsuits, the endless awards that seem to stretch on forever. You end the day standing there at the foot of a grave of a man that was ONLY 42 years old. Your actions have consequences, and sadly, Elvis paid a HUGE price for some of his. :sad::sad:

I agree Rosanne.When Im standing there I always think how his life ended.I think he had so many wakeup calls that should have made him realize what was happening.He had so much to lose but it was almost like he was completely indifferent.

[jak]

It's interesting we can sit in judgement of others . I guess some have never made a mistake in their lives. I've made plenty !
Money and fame has never bought love or happiness, as far as I could ever see. Thank goodness, no one sits in judgement but God !
Some are merciless and unforgiving IMO.

Discussing these aspects of Elvis' life is not being judgemental.It's merely looking back and talking about what happened to him.I have not seen a single post where anyone has judged him negatively.Youre being far to overprotective if you believe this topic is some sort of condemnation of him.

[Unchained Melody]

I agree Rosanne.When Im standing there I always think how his life ended.I think he had so many wakeup calls that should have made him realize what was happening.He had so much to lose but it was almost like he was completely indifferent.

It is sad. I recall one story DOA at the holiday inne sometime in 1976 when Joe went to get Elvis up for the show and he was laid across the bed and half out of it and they thought he was dead but finally woke him. So many times Elvis should've seen that he was harming himself or putting himself at risk of fatal stuff then maybe he wouldve seen what would happen to him.

[cameron]

Why is it when I ask a question in all honesty, I get a glib answer :blink:
It seems you can pass comment on peoples posts but when asked to explain your actions you dodge the question?

Would this be considered a personal comment?

OFF TOPIC :
By the time of day this was asked; I'd just grown tired of all this .
I believe you did the same to me in another thread.
You just "blew it off."

I'll leave these topics to the ones that enjoy them as has been suggested .
Think I need to go back to politics. At least the names change !;)
Also, the "crimes".

[Unchained Melody]

I'll leave these topics to the ones that enjoy them as has been suggested .


It's really that simple ;)

[cameron]

Discussing these aspects of Elvis' life is not being judgemental.It's merely looking back and talking about what happened to him.I have not seen a single post where anyone has judged him negatively.Youre being far to overprotective if you believe this topic is some sort of condemnation of him.

Thank you, jak for your opinion.
Some see things differently. ;)
I leave the condemnation to others.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Discussing these aspects of Elvis' life is not being judgemental.It's merely looking back and talking about what happened to him.I have not seen a single post where anyone has judged him negatively.Youre being far to overprotective if you believe this topic is some sort of condemnation of him.

I have raised this point earlier and 100% agree


It is sad. I recall one story DOA at the holiday inne sometime in 1976 when Joe went to get Elvis up for the show and he was laid across the bed and half out of it and they thought he was dead but finally woke him. So many times Elvis should've seen that he was harming himself or putting himself at risk of fatal stuff then maybe he wouldve seen what would happen to him.

Not sure Elvis really cared about himself by this point Brad, IMO he cared about those around him and the fans. He had gone to far down a dark path to get out without serious, and I mean serious intervention which just wasn't available back then!


Why is it when I ask a question in all honesty, I get a glib answer :blink:
It seems you can pass comment on peoples posts but when asked to explain your actions you dodge the question?


Would this be considered a personal comment?

OFF TOPIC :
By the time of day this was asked; I'd just grown tired of all this .
I believe you did the same to me in another thread.
You just "blew it off."

I understand and appreciate you candor. No, the comment was not personal although any question can be made to look personal when your tired I suppose.


Thank you, jak for your opinion.
Some see things differently. ;)
I leave the condemnation to others.

Who in your opinion is condemning Elvis? Or do you mean by discussing this topic the person is in some way condemning Elvis?

[jak]

"Who in your opinion is condemning Elvis? Or do you mean by discussing this topic the person is in some way condemning Elvis?"

Obviously none of us are condemming him.It's the protective nature of some fans that kicks in like an automated defense system.Sometimes I feel that many would just prefer certain things never to be spoken of regardless of their importance.I just cant understand that way of thinking,it's not for me.I cant ignore or dismiss something that destroyed the one person I have held in higher regard than any other.I've pretty much spent my entire life wrapped up in Elvis.He's been a constant prescence all these years.How could I even begin to pretend things didnt turnout the way they did for him?For me ignorance is not bliss.

[cameron]

I have raised this point earlier and 100% agree



Not sure Elvis really cared about himself by this point Brad, IMO he cared about those around him and the fans. He had gone to far down a dark path to get out without serious, and I mean serious intervention which just wasn't available back then!





I understand and appreciate you candor. No, the comment was not personal although any question can be made to look personal when your tired I suppose.



Who in your opinion is condemning Elvis? Or do you mean by discussing this topic the person is in some way condemning Elvis?
I've decided to not participate in these kinds of threads .
I have no comment.
Let me add : Everyone knows how I feel and the different opinions that others have.
To me, it just becomes repetitive. I see no reason to repeat myself, again and again.
That just causes arguements and does no good, IMO.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I've decided to not participate in these kinds of threads .
I have no comment.
Let me add : Everyone knows how I feel and the different opinions that others have.
To me, it just becomes repetitive. I see no reason to repeat myself, again and again.
That just causes arguements and does no good, IMO.

Obviously it is your right to participate or not as the case may be, I'm not trying to have a go or attack you, I'm trying to get to the bottom of you statements so I can understand your comments!

When a members states "I leave the condemnation to others" I believe that is a serious statement and would like to understand if that has a basis in fact or is just an opinion? I only ask this because you stated in page 5 that you weren't participating in this thread because you were unhappy with comments made in this thread and followed up with the above statement.

Tommy has moderated some of the comments in this thread because it had got a little out of hand, Albert has also participated, however it would seem that we might have missed some other comments that you are referring to?

[Diane]

I don't really see condemnation in these posts. I see a lot of disappointment and sadness as to how Elvis' life ended so soon. I have those emotions too but they are never foremost in my mind.

I've known a few others what I would consider special people that chose the wrong path and ended up the same way and I choose to remember the bad, but the good always overshadows it.

Sometimes I think those special people weren't meant to live easy or long and everyone ends up saying "what a shame and what a waste". Maybe when you burn too bright, it burns you out too.

Diane

[KPM]

People are people and all perceive things different based on their own lives and paths-it can be no other way. I can not see things exactly as anyone else-but I may see it similar to others. My take is pretty obvious IMO-everyone including Elvis can not be totally understood by others. His life was walked by him-what made him was unique to him alone. Just as what made me is uniquely my own. Jaks well taken point is everyone is their own person and all the "weight of mistakes and the glory of success" in life-lays on that person alone. I see it that there are factors I have mentioned many times such as upbringing, heredity, etc.... that are involved that you have no control over what so ever. As an adult you make decisions, react mentally and physically in a certain ways to stress, gravitate to certain likes and dislikes and there is some correlation to how you grew up-who your parents were how they raised you IMO.
I love to eat a dish that my Grandma called "Poor Food". "Poor Food" is about 20 hot dogs sliced into small chunks, 2 large yellow unions sliced and diced, and 5 pounds of red potatos sliced-all thrown in a pot with about an ounce or 2 of oil. It takes about an hour or hour and a half to cook stirring frequently. The reason I bring this up is that you can see it is not a "Healthy Meal" but my Grandma made it all the time because it was cheap. My Mom made it all the time-because it was cheap. I grew up on it-and now as an adult I see that it is unhealthy. But I talk my wife into making it about once or twice a year-because its a taste I can not resist. (it actually is very tasty) We had many unhealthy- but cheap meals as a kid.
As a kid I had little say so on what went on the table, and we had this unhealthy but tasty meal at least once a week for my 17 years at home. I had my first angina attack at the age of 21! So am I responsible for the damage this may have helped cause? Am I responsible for the heart conditions and high blood pressure which runs through both sides of my family? And the suicide situation which runs through my fathers side which I have discussed having to do with chemical imbalances in the brain? I sure did not ask- nor work to get any of these things IMO
So I do see how some can feel everyone is their own ships captain-by their outlook on life which is unique to them. Only they can see through their eyes.
But- IMO- I see much better, much clearer the outlook I have and some of what gave that sight to me.:blush:

[Diane]

As we both said quite a while back KPM, no man is an island. There are too many variables and other people that influence our lives. No human being can cut through all that and make the right decisions all the time.

Diane

[utmom2008]

IMO,most everyone accepts him for who he was.
Some just seems to enjoy the fall more than others.

:supriced::supriced::blink::blink:

No one can change what's already happened.
Can't see that it matters one way or another . Some believe one thing some another . No sense fighting about it. Kinda silly, IMO.
No one will change anyone elses mind---and IMO, shouldn't even try.
:blink::blink::blink::blink:


It's interesting we can sit in judgement of others . I guess some have never made a mistake in their lives. I've made plenty !
Money and fame has never bought love or happiness, as far as I could ever see. Thank goodness, no one sits in judgement but God !
Some are merciless and unforgiving IMO.

PLease show me where any of us have been "merciless and unforgiving.":hmm::hmm:



Not sure why people can't just enjoy Elvis anymore . :blink:

See above.:blink::blink:


I leave the condemnation to others.
Again..I ask the same question as above?:doh:

I've decided to not participate in these kinds of threads .
I have no comment.
Let me add : Everyone knows how I feel and the different opinions that others have.
To me, it just becomes repetitive. I see no reason to repeat myself, again and again.
That just causes arguements and does no good, IMO.

It appears that all you have done is continually belittle any of us that discuss the FACT that sadly enough, yes, Elvis abused prescription drugs. You remind us with every other post that you have no use for any discussion of that part of Elvis' life, but Cameron, you have posted on this thread more than any other person. You really don't have to keep reminding us of how judgemental we are..how we should leave that to God..etc..etc. By that same token....I am still searching for the post where he was condemned.:supriced::hmm::doh::supriced:

[EnigmaticSun]

I'm sorry, but I can't be more optimistic and we have a long road ahead of us. This topic is like a long hard arduous painstaking task that seems to go on and on forever and just the moment when you think things are going your way nothing happens.

Doesn't it get to the nerves? For those who are easily drawn to addictions this looks like the wrong week to quit drinking, smoking, sniffing glue and taking amphetamines.

But thankfully TCB-World isn't such a rough place or the seediest dive on the wharf, populated with every reject and cutthroat from Bombay to Calcutta, being worse than Detroit.

It is hard to agree on Elvis' life though.

[KPM]

As we both said quite a while back KPM, no man is an island. There are too many variables and other people that influence our lives. No human being can cut through all that and make the right decisions all the time.

Diane
Thank you.

[Getlo]

I've decided to not participate in these kinds of threads .

You've said that before. And you'll be back, here and in other threads of the same type.

To discuss Elvis' drug addiction, erratic behaviour etc is not condemnation; not in the least.

The only person to condemn Elvis was Elvis himself.

[Unchained Melody]

To discuss Elvis' drug addiction, erratic behaviour etc is not condemnation; not in the least.


So very true.

[The King's Queen]

Well, it looks like I'm coming in on the tail-end of this discussion...but here goes! ;)

Elvis had choices in life, just as we all do. Yes, he made some really bad choices, and as Carole pointed out, he paid the ultimate price. :'(

I don't believe in holding him "accountable" for what he did. I hold my kids accountable for what they do because I am trying to mold them into being responsible for their own actions. So IMO, it goes right back to the same ol' song and dance....those in his life should have held him accountable at the time. It is far too late for that now. :'( However, I do see how others can come to the assumption that he was responsible....I just don't see it in the exact same way. Yes...in the beginning, he should have gotten a grip on things and tried to refrain from using them for the wrong reasons. But after he had used them for a while, he became entangled in the same web of denial that all addicts get caught in. They always think they can quit when they want to...they don't realize that not wanting to quit is the addiction itself speaking! So...was he responsible? YES. However, having dealt with people who are addicted to such things, I have to say that I don't think that he was capable of making a change AFTER the drugs got a hold of him. JMO. At least not without some serious help anyway. :blink:

[LianaKaralivanou]

Guys and gals, Elvis made some bad choices in his life and these choices led to his death. I wish he hadn't made them. I wish things were different but unfortunately when we make mistakes we must accept the consequences. And usually they are BAD. And HARD. And there's no turning back. This is such a sad feeling though...:'(

[ehollier]

Guys and gals, Elvis made some bad choices in his life and these choices led to his death. I wish he hadn't made them. I wish things were different but unfortunately when we make mistakes we must accept the consequences. And usually they are BAD. And HARD. And there's no turning back. This is such a sad feeling though...:'(

I think you summed up what I said somewhere earlier in this post. Thanks. :'(:'(:'(

[Diane]

Once an addict becomes an addict he is no longer in control of rational thought and needs help whether he is in denial or not.

Diane

[SweetCaroline]

I always have believed that ELVIS :king: loved his fans. I do think Elvis would want all of us to learn from his mistakes(y)....but I also think he would pray that we would be of generous spirit and dwell on the good things and not the bad/sad things of the time he spent with us. I think ANY human hopes that when other people review their years here on earth...that those doing the reviewing would be kind to their memory. I personally believe some fans relish in the negative more than the positive of Elvis' life. I am not saying that ELVIS' mistakes should not be discussed, but my complaint is in the WAY many poster word their posts....I simply do not see LOVE and generosity for ELVIS!:mad: Some seem to be able to post about the sadder aspects of the Elvis story and still come across with a general feeling of overall love for the guy....but a handful of posters seem to not be able to post their words about the drugs, weight, etc. without coming across as if ELVIS was some kind of dirt under their feet. :mad:

[KPM]

Guys and gals, Elvis made some bad choices in his life and these choices led to his death. I wish he hadn't made them. I wish things were different but unfortunately when we make mistakes we must accept the consequences. And usually they are BAD. And HARD. And there's no turning back. This is such a sad feeling though...:'(
If every person who ever lived made the same choices we would all be clones-people who are exact in size, shape, color, mental and physical health, background, etc.......The choices each one of us make are shaped by all these "individual things" which combine to make us who we are. There are variables which are out of the control of each human being ever born.
There is a "cause and affect" in life IMO. Why is spring my favorite season? Why am I afraid of small enclosed places? All personal choices I assumed.
Years ago a psychiatrist told I liked spring because in the spring I spent more time at Grandpas house and I felt safe there. He told me I had claustraphobia because when I found my father dead hanging from a rope it was in a small laundry shed behind the house we lived in. These are just a couple minor things we came across in therapy.
I want to stress he did not just come up with these in a session or 2- he asked a million questions and we talked for many hours. But the choices of my adult life were affected by things I had no inkling of.
Some do not believe in shrinks-nor there conclusions. But I think its pretty well accepted that the choices we make as adult is to a degree affected by many things we experience even as tots-we just do not always make the connections.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

So...was he responsible? YES. However, having dealt with people who are addicted to such things, I have to say that I don't think that he was capable of making a change AFTER the drugs got a hold of him. JMO. At least not without some serious help anyway. :blink:

I made a statement that in effect said the same thing, Elvis needed serious help but in those days this kind of treatment wasn't as readily available as it is today.... In todays modern society Elvis would have been in rehab and proud :P


I personally believe some fans relish in the negative more than the positive of Elvis' life. I am not saying that ELVIS' mistakes should not be discussed, but my complaint is in the WAY many poster word their posts....I simply do not see LOVE and generosity for ELVIS!:mad: Some seem to be able to post about the sadder aspects of the Elvis story and still come across with a general feeling of overall love for the guy....but a handful of posters seem to not be able to post their words about the drugs, weight, etc. without coming across as if ELVIS was some kind of dirt under their feet. :mad:

I'm not sure that I totally agree with all aspects of your statement but concede that some people don't like these kinds of topics therefore perhaps view statements in a different light!


If every person who ever lived made the same choices we would all be clones-people who are exact in size, shape, color, mental and physical health, background, etc.......The choices each one of us make are shaped by all these "individual things" which combine to make us who we are. There are variables which are out of the control of each human being ever born.
There is a "cause and affect" in life IMO. Why is spring my favorite season? Why am I afraid of small enclosed places? All personal choices I assumed.
Years ago a psychiatrist told I liked spring because in the spring I spent more time at Grandpas house and I felt safe there. He told me I had claustraphobia because when I found my father dead hanging from a rope it was in a small laundry shed behind the house we lived in. These are just a couple minor things we came across in therapy.
I want to stress he did not just come up with these in a session or 2- he asked a million questions and we talked for many hours. But the choices of my adult life were affected by things I had no inkling of.
Some do not believe in shrinks-nor there conclusions. But I think its pretty well accepted that the choices we make as adult is to a degree affected by many things we experience even as tots-we just do not always make the connections.

Great post Ken, insightful as usual (y)

[LianaKaralivanou]

If every person who ever lived made the same choices we would all be clones-people who are exact in size, shape, color, mental and physical health, background, etc.......The choices each one of us make are shaped by all these "individual things" which combine to make us who we are. There are variables which are out of the control of each human being ever born.
There is a "cause and affect" in life IMO. Why is spring my favorite season? Why am I afraid of small enclosed places? All personal choices I assumed.
Years ago a psychiatrist told I liked spring because in the spring I spent more time at Grandpas house and I felt safe there. He told me I had claustraphobia because when I found my father dead hanging from a rope it was in a small laundry shed behind the house we lived in. These are just a couple minor things we came across in therapy.
I want to stress he did not just come up with these in a session or 2- he asked a million questions and we talked for many hours. But the choices of my adult life were affected by things I had no inkling of.
Some do not believe in shrinks-nor there conclusions. But I think its pretty well accepted that the choices we make as adult is to a degree affected by many things we experience even as tots-we just do not always make the connections.


I can see your point, KPM. I must admit that I agree with you. Yes, the choices that we make probably are connected with events, experiences and incidents in our past. And every person is unique, so the choices that he/she make in his/her life are unique as well. But still, they are OUR choices. Nobody else's. Yes, they can be afected by someone else or a previous event or a trauma as a kid but they are our choices. And we can't go on in our lives blaming those events or blaming other people. We must try to find a solution. Some may call it shrink, as you said in your post. And I believe in shrinks. I do. Maybe Elvis wasn;t strog enough to deal with these problems. Or maybe he was tired enough, who knows?

[SheriLyn]

I think Elvis was tortured thoughout his whole life for the fact that he was so blessed and Jesse never got a chance to live life. I also think he never got over loosing his mother so early in life.

In regards to Priscilla, I think he never wanted to be "divorced" in general and knew he was at fault for cheating among other things and he couldn't forgive himself for the way things ended with her. Then came Linda and she knew that was no kind of life for her and he was left again. Jerry Schilling wrote in his book about how sad that one Christmas was when Priscilla & Lisa were in California and Elvis was alone, that had to kill him that his family wasn't there to share the holiday he loved so much. Then you have the book by the body guards and his father telling him how he's in financial trouble and honestly I don't think he knew if he could "raise" another girl (meaning Ginger) or if he wanted to because it would remind him of his early relationship with Priscilla to much. Drugs were probably the only true escape for him which is so sad. I ofter wonder what would have happened if his father put him in the back of a truck (tough love) and drove around with him until he went thru his withdrawls and did what he had to do. It's so disturbing that from what we read we know that his father only ever stood up to him when it came to money or a few times when it was to do with Dee.

[Unchained Melody]

Once an addict becomes an addict he is no longer in control of rational thought and needs help whether he is in denial or not.

Diane

Theres no doubt in my mind of whether or not Elvis was in denial. I think its too obvious he really was, and badly.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

I think Elvis was tortured thoughout his whole life for the fact that he was so blessed and Jesse never got a chance to live life. I also think he never got over loosing his mother so early in life.

In regards to Priscilla, I think he never wanted to be "divorced" in general and knew he was at fault for cheating among other things and he couldn't forgive himself for the way things ended with her. Then came Linda and she knew that was no kind of life for her and he was left again. Jerry Schilling wrote in his book about how sad that one Christmas was when Priscilla & Lisa were in California and Elvis was alone, that had to kill him that his family wasn't there to share the holiday he loved so much. Then you have the book by the body guards and his father telling him how he's in financial trouble and honestly I don't think he knew if he could "raise" another girl (meaning Ginger) or if he wanted to because it would remind him of his early relationship with Priscilla to much. Drugs were probably the only true escape for him which is so sad. I ofter wonder what would have happened if his father put him in the back of a truck (tough love) and drove around with him until he went thru his withdrawls and did what he had to do. It's so disturbing that from what we read we know that his father only ever stood up to him when it came to money or a few times when it was to do with Dee.

Good post, there were a lot of things that happened in his life that's for sure... The thing you touched on about his father being more tough with Elvis could have made a huge difference IMO, however Elvis had overshadowed his father in terms of career and financially! I believe that Vernon struggled to challenge Elvis because he wasn't as successful and this made him feel impotent.

[Unchained Melody]

Drugs were probably the only true escape for him which is so sad.

One thing from your post that really stuck how to me was this.

You are correct, as many around him also have said, they were his escape from the problems in his life. And i don't doubt that statement one bit.

[EnigmaticSun]

Some do not believe in shrinks - nor their conclusions. But I think it's pretty well accepted that the choices we make as adults is to a degree affected by many things we experience even as tots - we just do not always make the connections.

I found your story to be so moving and intense, I want to add another post. From what I've read you're so strong as to get a hold of yourself and to go on with living. There are other people who go through a traumatic experience and they just don't ever snap out of it. My mother had some issues and just got will-less and crazy. A 15-minute walk is like an Olympic performance to her.

I too have had a very difficult childhood, nothing but being troubled by worries and seemingly being physically and verbally picked on by everybody. I was so used to "everything going wrong" that I now know how to enjoy and accept the brighter side of life.

As for you or for Elvis, I can tell you don't give up. Of course Elvis died because of physical complications, but let's face the facts here: he was creative and being involved with music right until the very end. I don't know how others in such a difficult situation would perform, but Elvis just went on out of love for music and the fans, I don't think it's way out of line to say it was not just for the money.

[KPM]

I can see your point, KPM. I must admit that I agree with you. Yes, the choices that we make probably are connected with events, experiences and incidents in our past. And every person is unique, so the choices that he/she make in his/her life are unique as well. But still, they are OUR choices. Nobody else's. Yes, they can be afected by someone else or a previous event or a trauma as a kid but they are our choices. And we can't go on in our lives blaming those events or blaming other people. We must try to find a solution. Some may call it shrink, as you said in your post. And I believe in shrinks. I do. Maybe Elvis wasn;t strog enough to deal with these problems. Or maybe he was tired enough, who knows?
Please do not confuse my understanding of the problems I've had with absolute conquering of things which have caused me problems. There is a false idea some have that if you figure out what causes your problems then they magically go away-once again for some that may be true but not all. I still can not be in tight small places-I get tight in my chest, my breathing becomes fast and my pulse goes up. Everyone does make their own choices but if you have been blessed with good parents, a stable childhood economically and mentally, good genes etc. your choices are coming from "positive situations which shaped you" So it will always be hard for those who have been shaped by positive situtation in their childhood-to identify with those who are not so blessed. I understand that, its where we all came from and in a way it makes my point IMO
I mean no disrespect to anyone who has been blessed with a good childhood and all that entails. People blessed with good genes who have few mental or physical problems which affect them-I am happy it is so. I would have liked to have had those options as a child-but they do not ask you what you want as you are born. You are dropped into whatever life your parents have and your formative years are "ruled" by their decisions. You have no choice in the gene department, and some of your health concerns (mental and physical) will be greatly influenced by those. But its just how I see it, from the life I've lived and what I've seen.
The thing I have learned is "MY PATH, IS MY PATH" I and only I walk it. When a leaf falls in that path I have to decide how to get over it-and my mind makes a decision based on a billion impulses I do not even know are happening in my brain and I step left, right, or over it- to get back on path.
Why my brain makes that choice I have no clue, but at that moment I think its the right move.