Introduction
“My Boy” is a poignant ballad by Elvis Presley, released as a single in January 1975. The song was originally written in French as “Parce que je t’aime, mon enfant” by Claude François and Jean-Pierre Bourtayre. The English lyrics were adapted by Phil Coulter and Bill Martin. Elvis recorded the song in December 1973 at Stax Studios in Memphis, and it was included on his 1974 album Good Times .
In the song, the narrator, presumed to be a father, speaks to his son, explaining the dissolution of his relationship with the child’s mother. He expresses that despite the end of the romantic relationship, his love for his son remains unwavering. The lyrics convey a deep sense of devotion and the desire to shield the child from the complexities of adult emotions .
“My Boy” achieved notable chart success. In the United States, it peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 14 on the Billboard Country chart. It also topped the Adult Contemporary charts in both the U.S. and Canada. Internationally, the song performed well, reaching number 5 in the UK and number 9 in the Netherlands .
The song’s heartfelt lyrics and Elvis’s emotive delivery have made “My Boy” a cherished track among fans, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through his music.