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"My Boy" is a popular song from the early 1970s. The music was composed by Jean-Pierre Bourtayre and Claude François, and the lyrics were translated from the original version "Parce que je t'aime, mon enfant" (Because I Love You My Child) into English by Phil Coulter and Bill Martin.

Song meaning

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A sentimental ballad, the song is sung in a first-person narrative from the point of view of a father to his young son under the presumption that the child is asleep and can’t hear what his father is trying to tell him. The father tells his son the truth of the strained relationship between the child's parents, and that all the father has left is the love of his son. Rather than risk losing that through a painful divorce, the father makes the decision to stay in a loveless marriage for the sake of his child.

Richard Harris version

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Actor Richard Harris performed the song "My Boy" at a music contest sponsored by Radio Luxembourg in 1971. Despite not winning the contest, Harris recorded the song and released it as a single later that year. Appearing on Harris' album of the same name, the song reached #41 on the Billboard pop chart and peaked at #13 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart.[1]

Elvis Presley version

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"My Boy"
Single by Elvis Presley
from the album Good Times
B-side
Released
  • 20 March 1974 (1974-03-20) (Good Times album)
  • 8 November 1974 (1974-11-08) (single)
RecordedDecember 13, 1973[1]
StudioStax Studios, Memphis
GenreSoft rock
Length3:19
LabelRCA Victor
SongwritersPhil Coulter and Bill Martin (words, English); Jean-Pierre Bourtayre and Claude François (music)
ProducerFelton Jarvis
Elvis Presley singles chronology
"It's Midnight" / "Promised Land"
(1974) 		"My Boy" / "Thinking About You"
(1974) 		"T-R-O-U-B-L-E"
(1975)

Elvis Presley recorded a cover version of "My Boy" in late 1973 that was included on his 1974 album Good Times. Presley's version of the song reached #20 on the Billboard pop chart[2] and #17 on Cash Box.[3] In the UK, where Presley's career had had something of a resurgence in the previous few years, it made the top 10 peaking at number 5 in the first week of January 1975.[4] It was a bigger adult contemporary hit, spending one week atop the U.S.[1] and Canadian[5] charts in April 1975. "My Boy also peaked at #14 on the Billboard country chart.[6]

Charts

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Richard Harris version

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Chart (1972) Peak
position
Australian (Kent Music Report)[7]
28
US Billboard Hot 100[8] 41

Elvis Presley version

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Chart (1974–75) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[9] 10
Belgium 5
Canada RPM Adult Contemporary[10] 1
Canada RPM Top Singles 27
Ireland (IRMA)[11] 4
Netherlands 9
New Zealand (RIANZ) 12
UK Singles (OCC)[12] 5
US Billboard Hot 100[13] 20
US Billboard Adult Contemporary[14] 1
US Billboard Country 14
US Cash Box Top 100 17

Year-end charts

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Year-end chart performance for "My Boy" by Elvis Presley
Chart (1975) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[9] 65

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

My Boy

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"My Boy" is a sentimental ballad originally composed in French as "Parce que je t'aime, mon enfant" by Jean-Pierre Bourtayre and Claude François with lyrics by Yves Lanoë, released in December 1970. The English adaptation, with lyrics by Bill Martin and Phil Coulter, was first recorded by Irish singer and actor Richard Harris in 1971, reaching number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 13 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song gained greater international prominence through Elvis Presley's cover, recorded on December 13, 1973, at Stax Studios in Memphis and released on his 1974 album Good Times. Presley's version, featuring emotional vocals backed by a full studio band including guitarists James Burton and Charlie Hodge, became a major hit, peaking at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart, and number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. The track's themes of parental sacrifice and enduring love resonated widely, leading to numerous covers and establishing it as one of Presley's notable late-career singles.

Background

Composition and origins

"Parce que je t'aime, mon enfant" (translated as "Because I Love You, My Child") is a French song composed in the late 1960s during the vibrant pop era in , a movement characterized by youthful, Anglicized pop influences blending with traditional elements. The music was written by Jean-Pierre Bourtayre and , while the lyrics were penned by Yves Dessca. This sentimental ballad emerged amid 's evolving pop scene, where artists like François drew from international trends to create accessible, emotionally resonant tracks for a young audience. The song received its first recording by , who performed it as the original interpreter. Released as a single in December 1970, it appeared on his Si douce à mon souvenir, marking a modest entry into François's discography during a period when he was transitioning from yé-yé hits to more mature pop compositions. Despite François's established popularity from earlier successes like "Le Téléphone Pleure," the track achieved only limited commercial success in , remaining relatively obscure at the time compared to his bigger hits. The song's initial release captured the era's blend of personal introspection and melodic simplicity, reflecting François's role as a prolific songwriter in French pop. It was later adapted into English by Bill Martin and for international audiences.

English adaptation and song meaning

The English adaptation of "My Boy" was undertaken in 1971 by songwriters Bill Martin and , who rewrote the lyrics of the original French song "Parce que je t'aime, mon enfant" specifically for recording artist . This version retains the paternal monologue of devotion to a son amid parental separation but heightens the drama by depicting the father addressing his sleeping child, emphasizing pleas for understanding and commitment like "And if I stay, I stay because of you, my boy." In the adapted lyrics, the father explains the end of the , stressing that his for the endures despite the upheaval, portraying the as his emotional . The song's meaning centers on intense paternal protection and familial bonds in the face of loss. Both the original and share a of fatherly and during relational failure, with the English version designed to appeal to pop audiences through added theatrical intensity. The was commissioned for Harris's My Boy, a theatrical exploration of a man's experiences with , , and separation, leveraging the singer's expressive style honed by his earlier success with "."

Richard Harris version

Recording and release

Richard Harris's version of "My Boy" was recorded in 1971 under the production of Johnny Harris, who also served as arranger for most tracks on the accompanying album, while specifically arranged "My Boy" to create a dramatic, symphonic sound incorporating strings and . Executive production was handled by Dermot Harris, Richard's brother. The English adaptation of the lyrics was penned by Bill Martin and , transforming the original French composition into a poignant of paternal . Harris's performance featured his characteristic theatrical delivery. The single was released in the UK in late on Probe Records (catalog number PRO 540), backed by "Why Did You Leave Me," following Harris's live performance of the track at the International Grand Prix RTL song contest in on , , where it represented one of the UK's entries. The song was later included on Harris's My Boy, issued in on Dunhill Records (DSX 50116), which framed the track within a broader story of , and loss. Promotion for the single capitalized on Harris's established reputation as an actor and singer from prior successes such as "MacArthur Park," facilitating initial radio airplay and tying into his dramatic stage persona to appeal to audiences familiar with his expressive style.

Reception and chart performance

Richard Harris's recording of "My Boy" achieved modest commercial success in the United States upon its release in late 1971. The single peaked at number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Harris's return to the pop charts following a period of lower-profile releases. It fared better in the adult contemporary market, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, appealing to listeners seeking sentimental ballads. In Canada, the track entered the RPM Top Singles chart, reaching number 62 as of December 25, 1971, and ultimately peaking at number 28. Critics noted Harris's emotive vocal performance on the single, which delivered the song's themes of paternal devotion with intensity, though it was sometimes viewed as sentimental. The track's orchestral production contributed to its appeal in formats but limited its broader pop impact amid competition from rock and acts. Despite not achieving major sales milestones or certifications, "My Boy" helped sustain Harris's recording career into the early , bridging his earlier hits like "" with later efforts.

Elvis Presley version

Recording process

Elvis Presley's version of "My Boy" was recorded on December 13, 1973, at Stax Studios in , during the sessions for his album . The session formed part of a late-night marathon that continued into the early hours of December 14, yielding several tracks amid a productive but intense schedule. The song's themes of fatherhood and relational strain resonated deeply with Presley, who had recently finalized his divorce from earlier that year. He was emotionally affected during the recording, and the master take was edited, including looping the ending, to complete the track. Production was overseen by , with arrangement contributions from pianist Tony Brown and input from studio owner . The ensemble included elements of Presley's touring band, Stax house musicians such as bassist , and orchestral support from The Joe Guercio Orchestra, alongside backing vocals by & the Stamps. Presley's lead vocal was layered with reverb to enhance its intimate, confessional tone. Technically, the track clocks in at 3:28 and features Presley's characteristic ad-libs, which infused the performance with raw vulnerability and emotional depth absent from the more polished original.

Release and commercial success

"My Boy" was included on Elvis Presley's studio album (RCA Victor CPL1-0475), which was released on March 20, 1974. The track was later issued as a single in in October 1974 under catalog number RCA 2458, with "" as the B-side, initially as an export-only release in some markets. In the United States, it was released as a single on January 6, 1975, via RCA Victor PB-10191, backed with "Thinking About You." The single's promotion aligned with Presley's active 1974 touring schedule, where he performed "My Boy" live during his Las Vegas engagements and subsequent concert tours that year. This release contributed to the narrative of Presley's continued resurgence following his 1973 Aloha from Hawaii television special, emphasizing his return to emotive balladry amid a mix of rock and country material. Commercially, "My Boy" peaked at number 20 on the US chart in early 1975. It performed even stronger on adult contemporary radio, reaching number 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart for one week in April 1975 and receiving significant airplay on easy listening stations. In the , the single climbed to number 5 on the Official Singles Chart. The parent album achieved a peak position of number 90 on the Billboard 200.

Legacy and other versions

Notable covers

In 1975, released an instrumental orchestral adaptation of "My Boy" on his album Amour, danse et violons n°45, which appealed to audiences across Europe. The original composer recorded an English-language version in 1977 for his album His Hits in English, offering a direct interpretation from the song's creator. In 2023, Greek artists Nikos Koulouris and Manos Georgantas released a single adaptation that incorporated local musical elements, highlighting the song's enduring international draw. Celtic Thunder included a cover on their 2008 album Heritage, appealing to fans of Celtic and easy-listening music. Other minor covers include additional recordings by Claude François in the 1970s, though none achieved major commercial success.

Cultural impact

"My Boy" exemplifies the sentimental pop ballads that defined much of the 1970s music landscape, characterized by its heartfelt lyrics and orchestral arrangement that resonated with audiences seeking emotional depth in popular songwriting. Written by Phil Coulter and Bill Martin as an English adaptation of the French original "Parce que je t'aime, mon enfant," the track's themes of parental sacrifice and love contributed to its status as a staple of easy-listening fare during the decade. Elvis Presley's 1973 recording of "My Boy" is often regarded as one of his most personal and mature performances from his late-career period, showcasing a vulnerable side rarely captured in his earlier rock-oriented work. The ballad's introspective narrative about a father's internal conflict struck a chord with Presley. This raw delivery transformed the song into a poignant highlight of Presley's , emphasizing his evolution as an interpreter of intimate, grown-up material. The song's legacy extends to its profound influence on songwriter , who has described Presley's cover as the pinnacle of his professional achievements. In a 2024 interview, Coulter highlighted the surreal moment of learning that the King of Rock 'n' Roll had not only recorded but passionately performed "My Boy" live in , stating that no songwriter would trade such validation for anything less. This endorsement cemented "My Boy" as a cornerstone of Coulter's oeuvre, bridging pop balladry with enduring artistic prestige.

References

  1. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/87670/all
  2. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?id=34895
  3. https://www.elvisthemusic.com/track/my-boy/
  4. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/elvis-presley-my-boy/
  5. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=My%2BBoy%2Bby%2BElvis%2BPresley&id=14371
  6. https://www.elvisthemusic.com/music/my-boy/
  7. https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/a_beginners_guide_to_french_y-y_pop_of_the_60s-67377
  8. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/72691
  9. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/87670
  10. https://www.lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/m/myboycoultormartin.html
  11. https://medium.com/elvis-thats-the-way-it-was/a-few-things-about-the-export-only-my-boy-62857893d50b
  12. https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Boy-Richard-Harris/dp/B000FDFEPI
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/15473716-Richard-Harris-My-Boy
  14. https://www.45cat.com/record/pro540
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/3392520-Richard-Harris-My-Boy
  16. https://www.allmusic.com/album/my-boy-mw0000449920
  17. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/CANADA/RPM/70s/1971/RPM-1971-12-25.pdf
  18. https://www.facebook.com/JimmyWebbMusic/posts/this-week-in-1972-richard-harris-recording-of-my-boy-peaked-at-41-on-the-billboa/5503579963003246/
  19. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/richard-harris/my-boy-why-did-you-leave-me.p/
  20. http://www.elvis-history-blog.com/elvis-stax.html
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtD9A7GY_Ok
  22. https://www.elvisinfonet.com/cd_review_Elvis_At_Stax.html
  23. https://keithflynn.uk/recording-sessions/731213.html
  24. https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/norbert-putnam-remembers-recording-with-elvis-at-stax.shtml
  25. http://countrydiscoghraphy2.blogspot.com/2016/05/elvis-presley-part-1.html
  26. http://biography.elvis.com.au/memphis-icons-meet-elvis-presleys-1973-sessions-at-stax-records.shtml
  27. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elvis-at-stax-deluxe-edition-chronicles-40th-anniversary-of-historic-hometown-studio-sessions-of-july-and-december-1973-206761651.html
  28. https://www.discogs.com/master/279151-Elvis-Presley-Good-Times
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/651247-Elvis-Presley-My-Boy
  30. https://www.elvisrecords.com/my-boy-thinking-about-you/
  31. https://www.elvisconcerts.com/real/myboy01.html
  32. https://www.biography.elvis.com.au/elvis-presley-usa-billboard-singles-chart.shtml
  33. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=My+Boy+by+Elvis+Presley&id=14371
  34. https://www.billboard.com/artist/elvis-presley/chart-history/tlp/
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYF6u0YWv9w
  36. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/733241
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW8kfuld3W0
  38. https://nodepression.org/the-top-30-recordings-of-elvis-presley/
  39. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/phil-coulter-having-elvis-presley-cover-my-song-is-the-high-point-of-my-career/a1655756734.html
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