Always On My Mind
"Always On My Mind" is a song by Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, originally released as a single by Gwen McCrae in June 1972. It was covered by Dave Gahan and Soulsavers and is the twelfth track on Imposter.
Lyrics
(from original recording)
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I am so happy that you're mine
If I made you feel second best
Girl, I'm so sorry I was blind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Tell me
Tell me that your sweet love hasn't died
Give me
Give me one more chance to keep you satisfied
I'll keep you satisfied
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind
Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have
Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I am so happy that you're mine
Dave's Take
"Everyone has heard Elvis' version of the song and knows the way he sang and performed it, but when I sing this, I feel it's like a plea for forgiveness and a thank you at the same time. It's just the ideal closing song to an album or performance."1
Dave also talks about this song in this video at the 15:50 mark:
My Take
At a minimum, I made sure to listen to the following versions of this song: the 1972 version by Gwen McCrae, the 1972 version by Elvis, the 1982 version by Willie Nelson, and the 1987 version by Pet Shop Boys. Out of all of those, it's a toss-up between the Elvis and Willie Nelson versions for my favorite, as I feel like both singers capture the remorse expressed by the lyrics well. But I will give major props to Pet Shop Boys, though, for reimagining this song in a whole new way, and I find that one quite good, as well. For some reason, I also imagine Dave and Soulsavers giving this a totally different feel than any of the aforementioned versions, though probably not as a dance track, for sure. Being the last song on the album, I kind of hope that it won't have a noisy, big production as I feel like that would actually detract from its visceral impact. Instead, I would honestly like to hear a very stripped-down instrumental with Dave pouring as much sorrow and regret as he can into the vocals. But we shall see what Soulsavers delivers...big sound or not, this could turn out to be one of their most powerful album closers yet.
Wow, I have to say that this ticked all of the boxes for me! Music that is stripped-down and gentle, sweet vocals that are packed with feeling, and a treatment that is unique. Yes, I have heard people compare this to Elvis' version and say that it is very similar, but I honestly think this one is much softer and passionate. Once again, Dave and Soulsavers hit one out of the park. As a song, and especially as an album closer, it is perfect. There could not have been a better way to end this album!
Music Video
There is no music video for this song.